Infinite perfection, created perfection and eminent mode. The Thomistic panentheism of Pedro de Ledesma (16th century)

Abstract:

The purpose of this article is to present Pedro de Ledesma’s theory on the relationship between the infinite perfection of God and the perfections of creatures. The main thesis is that Ledesma, in order to save the absolute infinity of God, adheres to ideas that are commonly associated with pantheism. However, in order to ensure that his proposal does not lead to such a conception, he elaborates a complex conceptual apparatus based on scholastic philosophy and, in particular, on Thomas Aquinas’ metaphysics of being, resulting in a form of Thomistic panentheism.

Key words:

pantheism, panentheism, Thomas Aquinas, School of Salamanca.