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The article aims to explore the changes in the understanding of pulchrum during the thirteenth century, focusing on Thomism and early Franciscan philosophy.

January 18, 2026Open Access

The Turning Point in the Question of Pulchrum: Thomas Aquinas and Early Franciscanism

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Key Points

The article aims to explore the changes in the understanding of pulchrum during the thirteenth century, focusing on Thomism and early Franciscan philosophy.
Comparative analysis of Thomistic and Franciscan texts
Examination of key themes in thirteenth-century philosophy
Interpretation of Aquinas and Francis of Assisi's works
Identifies Thomas Aquinas's concept of beauty as pleasing through sight as a critical reference point.
Highlights Francis of Assisi's and Bonaventure's redefinition of beauty through creatural existence.
Establishes whether these philosophical thoughts represent a transition in medieval discussions on pulchrum.

Abstract

This article aims to examine the transformations of the concept of pulchrum that took place in the thirteenth century between Thomism and early Franciscan thought. Specifically, it explores and compares the theme of “pulchra enim dicuntur quae visa placent”, introduced by Thomas Aquinas in the Summa Theologiae, and the theme of “creatural” beauty, introduced by Francis of Assisi and then taken up above all by Bonaventure of Bagnoregio, identifying these as pivotal moments of transition in the medieval discourse on the pulchrum.

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Daniele Guastini (Fri,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/696c776ceb60fb80d1395a85 — DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/rel17010107

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Daniele Guastini

Sapienza University of Rome

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Sapienza University of Rome

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The Turning Point in the Question of Pulchrum: Thomas Aquinas and Early Franciscanism

Key Points

Abstract

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Discussion

Cite this study

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Authors

Journals

Actions

Institutions

References and Citations

Citation Network

Connected Papers

Discussion

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