Known as the Prince of Scholastics, Thomas Aquinas remains one of the most influential philosophers and theologians in history. Ordained in 1250, Aquinas was named professor of philosophy at the University of Paris in 1256. He forged a synthesis between the teachings of St. Augustine and the philosophy of Aristotle. His moderate realism reconciled empirical knowledge and insight gained by revelation. His two major works are On the Truth of the Catholic Faith (1261-64) and Summa Theologica (1265-73).
