For Aquinas, knowledge begins with knowledge of the effects of a thing. When faced with those effects, we naturally have a “desire to know about the cause what it is. This desire is one of wonder and causes inquiry.” The inquiry ceases when we arrive at knowledge of the essence of a cause, when that desire to answer quid est is satisfied (this from ST I-II, 3, 8). Hence, knowledge arouses puzzlement and desire, a kind of dissatisfaction, that provokes us to inquiry and a satisfaction of that desire. Even if Frederick Bauerschmidt is right that “wonder” here is only a puzzlement, it is clear that for Aquinas the knowing subject is a desiring subject.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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