Krytyka koncepcji reinkarnacji w Summa contra Gentiles św. Tomasza z Akwinu

The theory of reincarnation is one of the elements of eastern religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism, however in recent decades this concept have become very popular in Europe and North America Greek philosopher Plato also believed in reincarnation, however his theory was criticized by Aristotle. This article discusses the main philosophical assumptions that need to be accepted by those who believe in reincarnation. Then these assumptions are compared with the concept of soul described by St. Thomas Aquinas. In Summa Contra Gentiles some arguments against the theory of reincarnation can be found. St. Thomas Aquinas believed that each soul can be connected only to one body, whereas Plato argued that the soul can travel from one body to another. People who believe in reincarnation often claim that the animals possess immortal soul. According to Aquinas animals do not have immortal soul. Plato believed that the soul loses memory while entering new body, yet according to St. Thomas Aquinas people don’t lose any memories when there are born but rather they start acquiring new information. This aspects are further explained and evaluated.