The Trivium

Aristotle and Aquinas believed that education should be grounded in reason and that it should aim at developing the intellectual capacities of students. He argued that education should begin with a solid foundation in the liberal arts, which he divided into two categories: the trivium and the quadrivium.

The trivium included grammar, logic, and rhetoric, which Aquinas believed were essential for developing the intellectual tools necessary for critical thinking and effective communication.

The quadrivium included arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music, which Aquinas believed were necessary for understanding the natural world and the mathematical principles that govern it.

In the logic stage Aquinas believed that education should also include the study of philosophy and theology, which he saw as complementary disciplines that could help students to develop a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it. He believed that philosophy was necessary for understanding the natural world and human nature, while theology was necessary for understanding the divine and our relationship to God.

Finally, Aquinas believed that education should aim at developing moral virtues, which he saw as essential for living a good life. He believed that education should instil in students a sense of moral responsibility and encourage them to use their knowledge and skills for the greater good of society. The Rhetoric stage prepared students with the skills to be able to effectively communicate what they have learnt and more importantly who they are as adopted children of God.