on metaphysics

from the introduction to Thomas Aquinas: The Division and Methods of the Sciences

..."for St Thomas the subject of this science (metaphysics) is universal being. It also deals with the transcendental properties of being, such as goodness and truth, as well as with God, who is the first cause of universal being.

Now none of these depends on matter and motion for its existence, as do the objects of natural philosophy and mathematics. Some of them CAN exist in matter and motion, as for instance being, goodness, act and potency; but these can also be found apart from matter in spiritual beings.

God, of course, exists absolutely independent of matter and movement. We can conclude, therefore, that the objects with which the metaphysician is concerned either actually exist or can exist without matter."