Sherlock Holmes & Thomas Aquinas

 In my latest book, Sherlock 6, Sherlock Holmes references Thomas Aquinas twice. 

I am republishing a former blog about Sherlock Holmes and Thomas Aquinas.

I believe that one of the most appealing aspects of detectives--and I put Sherlock Holmes first on this list---is the use of reasoning in crime solving. That was the main thing that attracted me to Thomas Aquinas as a detective. In my latest book The Medieval Adventures of Thomas Aquinas, the medieval theologian/philosopher uses reason in the solving of mysteries.

Reason in man is like God in the world, is a well-known quote of Saint Thomas. He was the man who tried to show the harmony between faith and reason. Thomas believed that God, nature and human beings could be understood through reason. Or as Sherlock Holmes said, There is nothing in which deduction is so necessary as in religion. Thomas would agree. 

We cannot have knowledge all at once. We must start by believing; then afterwards we may be led on to master the evidence for ourselves.

Thomas was more than a reasoning machine, of course, for he said, Love takes up where reasoning leaves off. And one of my favorite quotes of his is, Sorrow can be alleviated by good sleep, a warm bath and a glass of wine.
Sherlock Holmes said, Work is the best antidote for sorrow.

I enjoyed learning about Thomas Aquinas and his writings and found it challenging incorporating his teachings into the series of stories in my book.

Stephen Gaspar's books can be found on Amazon.

I found the two had other attitudes they shared.

In their viewpoint toward woman, both Aquinas and Holmes have come under some criticism as misogynists.

Holmes: Women are not to be entirely trusted—not the best of them. 
—The Sign of Four

Aquinas: Among perfect animals the active power of generation belongs to the male sex, the passive power to the female.
—Summa Theologiae 


Holmes: Women are naturally secretive, and they like to do their own secreting.
—A Scandal in Bohemia

Aquinas: As regards the individual nature, woman is defective and misbegotten...
—Summa Theologiae 


Both Aquinas and Holmes were philosophers and Godly men acknowledging God in the world

Holmes: God help us!... I never hear of such a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words and say: 'There but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.
—The Bascombe Valley Mystery

Aquinas: ... man needs the help of grace in order to be moved by God to act.
—Summa Theologiae 

Holmes: What is the meaning of  it, Watson? What object is served by this circle of misery and violence and fear? It must tend to some end, or else our universe is ruled by chance, which is unthinkable.
—The Cardboard Box

Aquinas: Therefore, God alone can satisfy the will of man...
—Summa Theologiae 

Stephen Gaspar's Books Can Be Found On Amazon!