Santo Tomás de Aquino: questões econômicas e sua presença na História do pensamento econômico

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the relevance of the economic thought of Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) and his presence in the History of Economic Thought (HET). The central hypothesis is that, although Aquinas addressed important economic concepts, such as value, just price, usury, and notions of private property, his presence in HET is not unanimous: he is cited by some authors, while others overlook his work and relevance. The study is divided into four chapters. The first introduces the figure of Thomas Aquinas and the appropriate methods for interpreting his work, drawing on authors such as Strauss, Skinner, and established Thomistic scholars like Grabmann and Copleston. The second chapter reconstructs his philosophical and moral system, leading to his economic ideas and placing them in contrast with more modern economic perspectives. The third chapter examines his influence on authors and schools of thought over the centuries in relation to economics, including the School of Salamanca, Catholic Social Teaching, and contemporary thinkers such as Hirschfeld and Mueller. Finally, the fourth chapter analyzes how various HET textbooks treat Aquinas, whether by recognizing or omitting his contributions, and reflects on the methodological reasons each author offers to justify their position. The goal is to assess whether Thomas Aquinas offers a solid and coherent contribution to economics, based on his economic thought, his influence throughout the centuries, and his treatment in HET literature