GARRETT PETERS

Thesis:  St. Thomas Aquinas on Predestination: A Philosophical Examination 

Thesis Director:  Dr. John Schwenkler, Department of Philosophy

"I am thankful to have received the Bess H. Ward Honors Thesis Award to support my research for my thesis, "St. Thomas Aquinas on Predestination: A Philosophical Examination." I used the award to purchase Latin-English texts of St. Thomas’ most important theological works regarding the subject of predestination, namely the Summa theologiae, Summa contra gentiles, and Commentaries on the Epistles of St. Paul.

These texts have proven instrumental in my research. The English translations are superb, remaining faithful to the Latin yet reading smoothly in English. With access to the original Latin texts, I have been able to cross-check the English translations and gain an even more precise understanding of St. Thomas’ thought. Beyond graduation, these texts will continue to serve me well in my graduate studies in theology, where I will represent Florida State University.

Being a recipient of the Bess H. Ward Honors Thesis Award has also encouraged me more broadly in my studies at FSU. I am convinced that the fields of philosophy and theology have much to offer our society as we wrestle with the most essential questions of human existence. I am passionate to share the intellectual richness of these fields with my peers and the next generation, and the Bess H. Ward Honors Thesis Award has encouraged me in this mission."

-Garrett Peters, 2021 Bess H. Ward Thesis Award Winner