Early Modern Scotists and Thomists on the Question on the Intellect’s First and Adequate Object (15th-17th Centuries)

Abstract

This paper analyses the criticisms put forward by the Scotists of the 17th century to Thomas Aquinas’ commentators on the subject of the intellect’s first object. What the intellect knows first, and what the extension of human cognition is, are questions that Aquinas addressed in several places in Summa theologiae, presenting conclusions which Scotus famously criticised. From the 15th century on, observed the tendency among Aquinas’ commentators to adjust themselves to Scotus’ opinion concerning this matter. The paper includes a collection of the texts they mention and focuses on this ‘shift’ in the history of Aquinas’ readings.