Problematyka kontemplacji w tekstach Tomasza z Akwinu. Wybrane zagadnienia
Problem of Contemplation in the Texts of Thomas Aquinas. Chosen Aspects

Summary/Abstract: In the texts of St. Thomas Aquinas we find remarks on contemplation. According to Aquinas, contemplation is activity proper to the intellect, which directs toward truth. For that reason, contemplative life in the essence of its activities belongs to the intellect. However, the will also fulfils an important task as it has a power to activate human faculties. Contemplative life initiates in the will a reaction of pleasure (as affectus), which hence, causes an intensity of love, what further influences a relation of man with God. Thomas speaks of contemplation in a diverse context. According to him, it is seeing truth from the level of a habit (skill) called habitus principiorum, or from the level of a habit of wisdom. Another context is presented when contemplation is approached as a motion and as a process of cognition penetrated with love. Thomas is convinced that contemplation will perfect the intellect in what is its proper goodness, that is, grasping the truth. Moreover, it is worth to remember that perfectioning human intellect in its proper activity achieves its ultimate goal in the contemplation of the Divine truths, and further – after death – in cognizing the essence of God, what is possible through lumen gloria, a habit given by Him. Therefore, the better man is equipped – prepared – to see God “face to face” thanks to his own efforts to refine the intellect, the better.

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