<i>Quodlibet</i> II.2.1: An Auvergnian Text in Aquinas

Abstract This article takes up the long dormant issue of the relationship of Thomas Aquinas to William of Auvergne. Taking Aquinas’ Quodlibet II, q.2, a.1 as an overlooked point of comparison, this article demonstrates a deep metaphysical compatibility between the Parisian Bishop and the Dominican Friar regarding the essence-existence distinction and even suggests that behind this Quodlibetal question is perhaps William’s De Trinitate I-II and De Universo IIa-IIae 8. Thus, to the extent that one is a follower of Aquinas’ metaphysics of esse, the present paper suggests that they are not merely a Thomist but also (perhaps unknowingly) an Auvergnian.