Theology and Science· 2026Q1
Participation and Elevation: Clarifying the Metaphysics of Instrumental Causality in Aquinas
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- 2026year
Short summary
Aquinas's theory of instrumental causality is clarified by a threefold typology (Universal Metaphysical, Natural/Artistic, Supernatural) that explains how created agents produce effects beyond their natural powers via 'elevation' and 'virtus fluens'.
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Key points
- Aquinas's theory of instrumental causality explains how created agents produce effects beyond their natural powers.
- A threefold typology of instrumentality is proposed: Universal Metaphysical, Natural and Artistic, and Supernatural.
- The mechanism of 'elevation' via 'virtus fluens' is central to Aquinas's model.
- The paper defends Aquinas's elevation model against the Scotistic critique of 'dual agency'.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Thomas Aquinas's account of instrumental causality is central to his understanding of divine action, yet his terminology often appears fluid. This paper investigates the metaphysical coherence of Aquinas's theory, addressing how created agents produce effects transcending their natural powers. After analyzing principal and instrumental agency and the mechanism of elevation via virtus fluens, we propose a threefold typology of instrumentality: Universal Metaphysical, Natural and Artistic, and Supernatural. Engaging the Scotistic critique of “dual agency,” we defend Aquinas's elevation model through the analogy of being, demonstrating its unique explanatory power in maintaining the ontological distinction between Creator and craftsman.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Theology and Science, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Philosophy
PhilosophyArts and Humanities