Abstract

Thomas Aquinas develops a strikingly expansive psychology of fear within his masterwork, the Summa theologiae. Whereas many classify fear under a single category, Aquinas specifies seven distinct categories of fear: the passion of fear ; the gift of fear ; the sin of fear ; the sin of fearlessness ; the vice of fear ; the vice of fearlessness ; and the propassion of fear. And whereas many classify courage as the only virtue indexed to fear, Aquinas argues that courage and perseverance perfect this passion. Furthermore, he contends that the gift of courage also perfects human fears and is necessary for the Spirit-guided life required to attain and remain in blessedness. Why does Aquinas champion this comparatively expansive account of fear? What are its merits? This dissertation answers these questions through a comprehensive treatment of the Summa’s psychology of fear.