The Quarta Via

Abstract

We will begin the investigation of the function of the principle, “The per accidens necessarily implies the per se,” in the context of the quarta via in the same fashion as that of the previous contexts, i.e., by determining, first of all, the nature of that “series of effects” which constitute the per accidens. St. Thomas presents his point of departure in the following manner: “The quarta via is taken from the gradation which is found among things. For among things are found some more and less good, true, noble — and thus it is of other things of this type.”¹