Medieval Perceptions of Physical Activity
The Middle Ages
A Transition Period
The Middle Ages, often misunderstood, represents a transition between the decline of Roman civilization and the rise of the Renaissance. Contrary to the misconception of the “Dark Ages,” this era witnessed significant cultural and social transformations.
Feudalism’s Influence
The feudal system, the dominant social and political structure, shaped life during the Middle Ages. This hierarchical system influenced every aspect of society, including physical activity.
Read MoreKnowledge, Science, and Moral Law
1. Kinds of Knowledge
Knowledge can be classified in different ways depending on its object and internal structure. We can distinguish the following forms of knowledge:
- Common Knowledge: Founded on everyday experience.
- Scientific Knowledge: Systematically organizes knowledge and explains why facts are the way they are.
- Technical Knowledge: Knowing how to perform certain activities, pursuing control and mastery of the world.
- Philosophical Knowledge: Experience acquired through philosophical thinking and
The Existence of an Intelligent God in the Natural World
The Second Article of Faith: An Intelligent God
Refuting Materialism
After refuting materialism, the concept of a second article of faith is introduced: the movements of matter, according to certain laws, suggest a supreme intelligence. The regularity of nature’s laws leads to the idea of a Supreme Intelligence. The argument unfolds as follows:
The World’s Order and Harmony
Paragraph 46 expresses marvel at the world’s order and harmony using the metaphor of a clock (the world) and a watchmaker (God)
Metaphysics: Key Themes in Western Philosophy
Introduction to Key Themes in Western Metaphysics
Six fundamental themes recur in Western metaphysics, coinciding with core philosophical problems: 1) God and the world, 2) the infinite and the finite, 3) the soul and the external world, 4) being and existence, 5) the individual, and 6) intellect and will. Christian Wolff proposed four parts of philosophy: ontology (being), cosmology (world), psychology (soul), and rational natural theology (God), explored in his work Rational Thoughts about God,
Read MorePolitical Science Key Concepts and History
Political Science: Core Topics
1. Political Theory
- Political Theory
- History of Political Ideas
2. Political Institutions
- Constitutions
- Central Government
- Regional and Local Government
- Government Administration
- Economic and Social Functions of Government
- Comparative Political Institutions
3. Parties, Groups, and Public Opinion
- Political Parties
- Social Groups
- Citizen Participation in Government and Administration
- Public Opinion
4. International Relations
- International Politics
- International Policy and Organizations
- International
Faith, Reason, and the Existence of God in Thomistic Thought
Faith and Reason
St. Thomas adopts the Aristotelian theory of knowledge, which originates in sensory experience. Our understanding is of objective material realities. Although the mind is immaterial and aims without limitation, the human mind is linked to sensory experience; therefore, its proper object is sensible reality. This idea has two consequences:
- Construction of thought has to go from the bottom up, from sensible realities.
- The maximum that can be thought of God must be imperfect and analogical,