Aquinas, Thomas: - Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) was an Italian Dominican friar, philosopher, theologian, and one of the most influential thinkers in Christian intellectual history. A major figure of medieval Scholasticism, he sought to explain Christian theology through careful philosophical reasoning, drawing especially on the works of Aristotle.His writings explored subjects including God, faith and reason, ethics, natural law, human nature, and the sacraments. His most famous works include Summa Theologiae and Summa Contra Gentiles. Aquinas's thought became foundational to Catholic theology and continues to influence philosophy, theology, and Christian ethics.He was canonized as a saint in 1323 and was later recognized as a Doctor of the Church.