Thomas Aquinas does not attempt to hide the fact that the first principle of truth, the principle of non-contradiction, and the first condition, the ability of the mind to know the truth, are an integral part of his thinking. This is very apparent in his seventh chapter of Summa Contras Gentiles. He addresses the issue of truth as it deals with reason and the Christian Faith. Opening the section, the foundation of his argument is laid out in his first sentence stating that because Christian faith surpasses the ability of human reason, things that are instilled naturally in human reason cannot be opposed to this truth. Right away, the principle of non-contradiction is brought out and used to amplify the truth he is discussing. Thomas demonstrates the first principle and the first condition throughout the rest of the section. The first principle is followed by the use of the first condition in the next few sentences.
Thomas states, "For it is clear that those things that are implanted in reason by nature, are most true ...that it is impossible to think them false." He goes on to declare that it is not right to say faith is false because it is confirmed by God. The mind is able to know truth through those things that are naturally instilled in human reason, because it cannot contradict the truth of Christian faith which is confirmed by God. Thomas says at the end of the paragraph that by looking at the definitions of the two, it is not possible for the truth of faith to contradict the principles which the mind knows naturally. The idea of Christian faith may not always be readily understandable to the human mind by means of reason, but understanding is achievable because the principles instilled in natural reason cannot contradict those of faith.
"God is the author of our nature" Aquinas proclaims in the middle of the second paragraph. It is very appropriate for such a statement to follow a somewhat difficult paragraph. Since God is the author of nature, the principles of natural reason are also apart of the divine Wisdom from which they came. Thomas states soon after, "whatever is contrary to these principles, is contrary to the divine Wisdom; wherefore it cannot be from God." The logic follows that natural knowledge and faith do not contradict one another, the first principle, because both come from God. Divine revelation is the source of faith, and divine creation gives natural knowledge which is the spring of human reason. The first condition also finds a means here. Aquinas speaks of the disciple's mind which receives the knowledge of its teacher. This is not the case if the teacher is insincere or teaches falsely, which would not be of God. The fact that the human mind can recognize a contradiction spoken by a teacher, knowing that it is not a truth shows the minds ability to know truth. Aquinas's use here clearly demonstrates the first principle.
Following the manifestation of the first condition and first principle is more support which firmly establishes the evidence presented. Those things which are contradictory, Aquinas says, are a stumbling block for human intellect. If God had instilled knowledge that was conflicting, the truth would be unattainable. "This cannot be ascribed to God" Aquinas affirms, leaving no doubt to the certainty of the truth that is being voiced. He also addresses the idea of contrary opinions. It was established that the teachings that are contrary to God, which would not be of God, are not held where divine Wisdom is present. The same follows of opinions that are in the same subject but contrasting. Knowledge is of God and God would not instill any opinion that is contrary to natural knowledge. The evidence originally presented makes case enough to hold fast the principle and condition that Aquinas uses to support the inability of reason and faith to contradict one another. What he follows with only makes the reader more confident in what he has to say.
Thomas Aquinas makes a great effort to support the idea that faith and reason do not have to be dissonant; as the world would readily see them. He shows, by way of the mind's ability to know truth and the principle of non-contradiction that reason and faith really work well together because they both originate from the same source: God. There exists no contradiction due to the commonality of the source and the mind is able to understand the truth by way of faith which is confirmed by God and not in opposition of reason which is from God.
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