# Thomas Aquinas — Religion and the Rise of Capitalism character guide

> Thomas Aquinas in Religion and the Rise of Capitalism by R. H. Tawney.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Aquinas

**First appearance:** 0003-religion-and-the-rise-of-capitalism

## Who they are

Medieval scholastic philosopher and theologian.

## In the story

### [The Social Organism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/religion_and_the_rise_of_capitalism_se/chapters/i-the-social-organism)

Mentioned as a representative of thirteenth-century Scholastic economic teaching, contrasted with the later, more developed views of St. Antonino.

### [The Sin of Avarice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/religion_and_the_rise_of_capitalism_se/chapters/ii-the-sin-of-avarice)

Implicitly referenced as part of the scholastic tradition that developed the just price doctrine and the prohibition of usury.

### [III: The Ideal and the Reality](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/religion_and_the_rise_of_capitalism_se/chapters/iii-the-ideal-and-the-reality)

Aquinas is cited for his justification of serfdom on economic grounds, explaining it as a result of sin.

### [III: The Church of England](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/religion_and_the_rise_of_capitalism_se/chapters/iii-the-church-of-england)

Referenced for the medieval doctrine that a fair contract benefits both parties equally.

### [II: Religious and Social Policy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/religion_and_the_rise_of_capitalism_se/chapters/ii-religious-and-social-policy)

Aquinas is cited for the medieval principle that a fair contract benefits both parties equally, forming the basis of the Church's economic ethics.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/religion_and_the_rise_of_capitalism_se/characters/aquinas
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/religion_and_the_rise_of_capitalism_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/religion_and_the_rise_of_capitalism_se/characters