Meaning: The quote "God should not be called an individual substance, since the principal of individuation is matter" by Thomas Aquinas, a renowned theologian and philosopher, reflects his views on the nature of God and the concept of individuation. Thomas Aquinas, also known as Saint Thomas Aquinas, was a prominent figure in the Scholastic tradition of philosophy, seeking to reconcile faith and reason and to integrate the teachings of the Church with the works of ancient philosophers, particularly Aristotle.

In this quote, Aquinas presents the idea that God should not be considered an individual substance. To understand this statement, it is essential to delve into Aquinas's broader philosophical framework, particularly his understanding of God and the nature of reality. Aquinas argued that God, as the ultimate reality and the source of all being, transcends the limitations of individuality and material existence. Instead, he conceived of God as pure actuality, devoid of any potentiality or material composition. This understanding of God as the highest and most perfect being leads Aquinas to reject the notion of God as an individual substance, as individuality and materiality are contingent and limited concepts that do not apply to the divine nature.

Furthermore, Aquinas's assertion that the principal of individuation is matter aligns with his broader metaphysical framework, which draws heavily on Aristotelian philosophy. According to Aristotle, individuation is the process by which a particular substance is distinguished from others of the same kind. Aristotle identified matter as the principle that accounts for the individuation of physical objects, as it is the underlying substrate that takes on specific forms and qualities. In other words, matter provides the basis for the distinct identity of material substances in the physical world.

Aquinas's incorporation of Aristotle's concept of matter as the principle of individuation into his discussion of God is significant. By emphasizing the role of matter in individuation, Aquinas underscores the fundamental distinction between the divine and the material realm. For Aquinas, God stands apart from the realm of material existence, and thus the principles that apply to individuation in the material world do not apply to God in the same way. Therefore, to call God an individual substance would be to constrict the divine nature within the limitations of material individuation, which Aquinas deems inappropriate and inadequate for understanding the transcendent reality of God.

Aquinas's perspective on the relationship between God and individuation raises profound questions about the nature of divinity and the limits of human understanding. By rejecting the characterization of God as an individual substance, Aquinas challenges us to contemplate the nature of ultimate reality beyond the confines of material individuation. His insights invite us to consider the implications of applying human categories and concepts to the divine, prompting a deeper reflection on the transcendent and ineffable nature of God.

In conclusion, Thomas Aquinas's quote "God should not be called an individual substance, since the principal of individuation is matter" encapsulates his philosophical stance on the nature of God and the principle of individuation. Through his integration of Aristotelian metaphysics and Christian theology, Aquinas emphasizes the transcendence of God beyond the limitations of individuality and materiality. This quote serves as a testament to Aquinas's profound intellectual contributions and continues to inspire philosophical inquiry into the nature of divinity and the boundaries of human understanding.