Human intellect vs. Artificial intelligence: A Thomistic perspective on cognition, unity and quantum potentiality

In the Thomist view, human knowledge far surpasses the capacity of any machine. Unlike artificial intelligence (AI) and cameras, that merely capture and process data, the human intellect interprets, organizes, and assigns deep meaning to sensory experiences. Thomas Aquinas emphasizes two essential faculties in this process: the senses, which collect data, and the intellect, which transcends the physical to understand the essence of things. AI follows algorithms, but the human mind is capable of abstract reasoning and discovering metaphysical truths. Thomas Aquinas distinguishes intrinsic and extrinsic unity, in a philosophy that moves away from reductionism (understood as radical materialism). Intrinsic unity — essential to the identity of a being — exists within itself, while extrinsic unity depends on external relations. Thomas Aquinas criticizes Democritus' atomism and emphasizes that the essence of a being cannot be reduced to its material parts. Intrinsic unity is fundamental to the existence and function of a living being (particularly humans), who act as cohesive wholes — form and function are inextricably linked to their essence. Artificial objects do not have an intrinsic unity. Machines can record sensitive data such as colors and shapes, but they cannot discern the meaning and essence of things. True human cognition goes beyond data manipulation; interprets universals, categories and transcendental truths. For Aquinas, human intelligence, as an immaterial faculty, discerns deeper meanings such as beauty and existential meaning; transforms sensitive data into meaningful concepts — a process beyond the reach of machines. Even in its most advanced forms, AI cannot comprehend essences, reflect on universals, or experience self-awareness. AI can simulate intelligence, but it does not have the depth of human cognition, which, for Aquinas, is linked to divine reality. The Thomistic view challenges reductionist views of human intelligence; highlights the uniqueness and complexity of human consciousness. This distinction is relevant in psychology, which seeks to understand cognition, consciousness and being. Psychology benefits from philosophical reflection on human capacities, especially with regard to the role of the intellect and the soul in the perception of reality. In this context, quantum superposition can be interpreted as Aristotelian potentiality. In quantum mechanics (QM), superposition allows particles to exist in multiple states until they are observed. This recalls Aristotle's notion of potentiality as an unrealized capacity. The measurement cancels the superposition, and updates a state of many potentials. This interpretation unites modern physics with classical metaphysics and aligns quantum indeterminacy with Aristotelian principles.