OCR A-Level Philosophy Practice Exam

Aquinas' understanding of the soul in the context of monism emphasizes that the soul is not a separate entity but is integrally connected to the body. He views the soul as the form of the body, meaning that the soul gives the body its life and purpose. This perspective aligns with his notion of hylomorphism, where everything is composed of matter and form, with the soul acting as the form that realizes the potential of the body's matter.

By stating that the soul is integrated within the body, Aquinas asserts that the two cannot be entirely separated. While he acknowledges the soul's immortality, he maintains that the soul cannot fully function or express itself without the body during earthly life, highlighting the interdependence of the two. This view contrasts with positions that separate the soul and body more starkly, such as Descartes' dualism, where the mind (or soul) exists independently of the physical body. Thus, the understanding that the soul is integrated within the body is foundational to Aquinas' monistic perspective, illustrating the unity of human beings as both bodily and spiritual.