Thomistic Anthropology, Metaphysics, and Ethics
Thomistic Anthropology and Intellectual Knowledge
Fundamental Tenets of Thomistic Anthropology
- Thomas Aquinas affirms the immateriality of the intellect and, therefore, the soul. By virtue of its immateriality, the intellect understands the real being of its object, of all reality, without limitation.
- However, in humans, understanding is essentially attached to a natural body endowed with certain means of knowledge (the senses). This linkage of human understanding to the body is rooted in the substantial
Moral Development, Values, and Ethics in Contemporary Society
Stages of Moral Development (Kohlberg)
Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation
Rules are followed out of fear of punishment. Egocentrism (inability to consider different perspectives) prevails.
Example: I shouldn’t fight because my father will punish me.
Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange
Rules are followed only if they serve one’s own interests. Individualism (awareness that others have interests) emerges.
Example: I won’t antagonize my classmate because he gets good grades in math. Maybe if I
Read MoreThe Human Quest for Meaning: Philosophy vs. Science
Read MoreThe Human Need for Meaning
We yearn to understand our place in the world and the purpose of our existence. This pursuit of meaning extends beyond our physical lives and drives us to seek fulfilling ways of living. We are not content with mere survival; we crave understanding and purpose. Philosophy arises from this desire to comprehend our existence and expand its possibilities. It elevates us beyond our animalistic nature, fostering freedom and appreciation for the human condition. For millennia,
Five Ways to Prove God’s Existence
Introduction
Humans possess inherent biases and deduce conduct rules for proper compliance. These trends are classified as substantial, as humans must rationally tend to know the truth and live in society. Living in a society requires legal rules to regulate interactions. Positive law must be compatible with human rational nature and seek the common good.
The Five Ways
Movement as Mobile Performance
It is evident that in this world, some things move. Everything that is moved is moved by another. If
Aristotle’s Eudaimonia: The Pursuit of Happiness
Eudaimonia
Eudaimonia encompasses notions such as satisfaction and sufficiency, exceeding mere hedonic content. We will explore personal happiness not as an isolated pursuit, but as something achieved in relation to others and citizenship. This concept differs from Plato’s radical view of the polis (public policy and a republican conception of citizenship). Instead, it emphasizes individual growth, which political structures can promote (a liberal conception of citizenship).
Aristotle’s Empirical
Read MoreOrtega y Gasset: Influence, Philosophy, and European Vision
Timeliness Rating
Ortega y Gasset is probably the most influential Spanish philosopher. His influence extends to numerous disciples, such as María Zambrano. Ortega’s work inspired philosophical vocabulary and stylistic features in Castilian philosophical writing. He also significantly influenced German philosophy, anticipating some aspects of Heidegger’s thought, with whom he shared certain views, although he distanced himself on several occasions. Ortega also anticipated certain existentialist
Read More