ABSTRACT
St. Thomas Aquinas' understanding of the leadership dyad blends the natural with supernatural; his philosophy complements his theology. And it is this complement of reason and faith that gives rise to his assertion that effective leaders should align themselves with the heavenly kingdom. As the chapter examines the philosophical foundations of leadership in Western culture, it is important to consider briefly the intellectual climate of those 800 years between St. Augustine and Aquinas. In terms of the leadership dyad, it is important, for within Western society, the specific concept has influenced both secular and religious leaders for centuries. With the Roman Catholic Church having become the ultimate source of authority in all matters, both religious and secular, faith and dogma had become the sole avenues through which men sought understanding of the universe. The chapter finds isolated incidences of leaders who willingly subject themselves to the teachings of religious prelates.
