Thomas Aquinas: The Cogitative Power with Dr. Barker (video interview and Q and A)

 Non-specialist introduction to Aquinas on the Cogitative Power

and to the historical background in Aristotle, Avicenna and Averroes.

Introduction to the Cogitative and Internal Senses (article)

Unlike the scholarly articles below, the article linked in this post presumes little prior knowledge of philosophy in general or of Aquinas in particular, and is meant to be accessible to a broader audience. 

 As interest in Aquinas's psychology grows, this brief introduction may help readers with what is usually an unfamiliar topic:

http://www.digitallife.center/images/Dianoetikon/Mark-Barker_The-Cogitative-Power_Dianoetikon.pdf

One sometimes reads that Aquinas denies that humans have an estimative power (e.g. see C. Ripperger). As one would expect, there is some truth in this. However, the cogitative power also performs estimative functions; as A. Suarez and Klubertanz intimated long ago. Hence, the linked article divides the cogitative's six functions in light of its estimative as distinct from rational functions (see p. 171-173). Lastly, it briefly (but, one may hope, adequately) replies to the claim that Aquinas changed his mind on the cogitative/estimative over time.

The whole issue of Dianoetikon is of interest regarding the contemporary relevance of the cogitative power. The issue concludes with a helpful bibliography:

http://www.digitallife.center/index.php/journal

 

Status update: The linked article concludes by mentioning a forthcoming scholarly book. Though I have not abandoned that project, researching the cogitative and the internal senses and their historical background involves many complex issues, and I have broadened the scope of my research to include the soul and its powers in general. I would rather complete genuine scholarly contributions than just another article covering much that has already been said, perhaps repeatedly (and in different languages). Unfortunately, the price to pay for that is that results are not quickly found.

I would be remiss if I did not express my gratitude to my institution (Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans) and to my colleagues (Jim Jacobs, Fr. Philip Neri Powell, o.p., and David Liberto) for providing me time to work on what has turned out to be a long-term project.