Metaphysics, Dialectics and the Modus Logicus According to Thomas Aquinas

Abstract

According to Thomas Aquinas, both logic and metaphysics are characterized by the same universal scope. This similarity is mentioned by Aquinas in order to explain the legitimate use of a logical mode of reasoning within metaphysics. Metaphysics is not identical with logic, but the modus logicus, the logical mode of reasoning, is to a certain extent useful for the philosopher in his inquiry into metaphysical matters. In his Commentary on Aristotle's Metaphysics Thomas refers frequently to this modus logicus by which Aristotle is said to proceed in his investigation into substance. The A. wants to clarify the meaning of the modus logicus in Aquinas and its revelance for metaphysics. This might help us to understand better how according to Thomas logic and metaphysics are related to one another and in what sense they are different