Abstract

Critically appropriating the hermeneutical work of Wolfgang Kluxen, this study identifies the outlines of a self-realization theory precisely in the theological synthesis of Thomas's Summa theologiae. Thomas's notion of "beatitude," central to his teleological theory, is best translated as "self-realization," associating Thomas's theory with Aristotle's eudemonism and with 19th and 20th century self-realization ethicists. ;For Thomas, all human beings have a natural desire for perfect self-realization, the ultimate goal of every human choice. Self-realization is the act by which human beings achieve the fullest and most harmonious development of the hierarchically organized capacities of their human nature, culminating in the human capacities for beauty, truth, and love. Full self-realization is possible through supernatural union with God in knowledge and love in the afterlife; imperfect self-realization is possible on earth, through harmonious acts of speculative and active virtues. ;Self-realization is the ultimate moral norm. Thomas's other moral norms--natural law, right reason, and communal utility, in that order--are grounded in self-realization. ;Self-realization also grounds moral obligation, which arises from the relationship between the inalienable natural human striving for self-realization and the human freedom that can alienate itself from that striving. ;Moral sanctions, in turn, are fundamentally the intrinsic consequences of the human choice to harmonize oneself with or alienate oneself from that natural desire for complete self-realization. This is true especially of internal sanctions and divine sanctions , whether on earth or in the after-life. ;The notion of "self" underlying Thomas's self-realization theory is neither individualist nor collectivist but person-in-community. While affirming the foundational importance of self-love, Thomas holds that full self-realization occurs only in self-transcendence. For human beings exist only from, and in relationship to, others, ontologically and developmentally. ;Thomas's theory is examined in the light of critiques of self-realization from Kant to the present day. Thomas's theory could contribute especially to contemporary discussions on the relations between fact and value, is and ought, self-interest and ethics, and individuals and society