Article 25

In the twenty-fifth article, the question is raised whether the distance from the earth's surface to hell, supposing hell to be in the center or around the center of the earth, is able to be known. (A similar article (Da. 14) asks whether "the distance from the earth's surface to its center is able to be known. Thomas' response is simply "I say it is possible" Shortly thereafter (De 30 articulis, ad 14), the question was raised whether Hell is in the center or around the center of the earth. Porro suggests that the latter article prepared Thomas for this more complete response to the question. See Porro, 370.)

I hold that it is possible for the distance from the earth's surface to its center to be known, but not the distance to hell, because I do not believe it can be known by man where hell is.