Exploring the Philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas
St. Thomas Aquinas
The Relationship Between Faith and Reason
If philosophy is a science based on reason, theology is based on faith and revelation. In the 13th century, several intellectual currents gained momentum:
1. Averroism
This intellectual current fully accepts the Aristotelian view and the autonomy of reason against faith. It is based on three theses:
- The world is eternal: God is the creator of the world because it is eternal, contradicting Christian theology.
- Only the understanding of the human
Anselm’s Ontological Argument and Hume’s Empiricism
Anselm’s Ontological Argument
Proslogium
The show exhibited in the work Proslogium is based on the following assumptions:
- The idea of God given by revelation (by the Holy Scriptures)
- Logical identity of the real existence in thought and there really is (ser = to think), and
- God’s existence as an attribute or perfection of its essence.
The ontological argument has the following structure:
a) The Problem:
The argument proceeds on the simple concept of God to prove its existence. Even the one who denies God
Read MoreExploring the Core Concepts of Philosophy
The Social Function of Philosophy
Horkheimer’s Perspective
Horkheimer argues that human actions should not be a product of habituation or without prior reasoning. The function of philosophy is to provide clarity and prevent the acceptance of things as natural. Instead, it emphasizes choice and understanding.
The social function of philosophy is the study of the “why” of things, not just the “how.” It is the love of wisdom. For Horkheimer, the true function of philosophy lies in criticizing the establishment.
Read MoreAugustine’s Philosophy of Knowledge and Love
Concepts
Academic Skepticism and Certainty of Existence
Since Augustine’s conversion to Christianity, his work began to develop a polemic against Academic Skepticism and the Academy of Arcesilaus and Carneades. In fact, one of his first works was against the Academics, which shows his interest in asserting truth and combating all forms of doubt or denial thereof. If skeptics deny that we have certain knowledge, Augustine responds: “If I am mistaken, I am.” This precedes Descartes’ famous cogito.
In
Read MoreDesire, Passion, Death, and the Human Person: A Philosophical Exploration
The Universe of Desire and Passion
Desire and passion are integral to human agency and will, influencing all human activity.
Desire: A Source of Lack and Concern
Desire is a psychic impulse driving us towards objects perceived as sources of satisfaction.
- Lack: Desire stems from wanting something we don’t possess, implying an absence.
- Excess: Desire transcends mere need, always reaching for a realm of possibilities and excess. Think of how shops and malls tempt us to fulfill desires beyond basic needs.
Exploring Aristotelian Classification, Ethical Theories, and Scientific Development
According to Aristotle’s Classification of Actions and Responsibility
There are three types of actions according to Aristotle’s classification, each involving different levels of responsibility:
- Mixed Actions: These are actions performed out of fear of a greater evil.
- Culpable Actions of Ignorance: These occur when an individual has the means to learn about the circumstances that would make their action culpable, but chooses not to do so.
- Voluntary Actions: These are actions performed by an individual