Thomas Aquinas is undoubtedly the preeminent theologian and philosopher of the Middle Ages. In the 13th century, with the emergence of the first universities, intelligence developed as a relatively autonomous and revolutionary social force. Through the mediation of Arab philosophers, Aristotle was reintroduced to the Western world. In this intellectual climate, the Dominican monk Thomas created a comprehensive philosophical and theological system that opened up entirely new avenues of thought beyond the prevailing Platonism. In 29 so-called "Disputed Questions," Thomas addresses all the major themes of his philosophy and theology under the concept of truth: the question of being, the human capacity for knowledge, the triune God, grace, providence, justification, and faith. The art of scholastic disputation is emphasized throughout.