Elliot Polsky, an associate member of SDP and philosophy instructor at St. John Vianney Seminary, dives deep into the intricate meaning of the word 'is.' He discusses medieval theories, including the copulative theory and Avicenna's aspect theory, revealing how this simple verb shapes philosophical thought. The conversation highlights Aquinas's unique perspectives on existence and the profound implications of 'is' in relation to the Eucharist and essence. This fascinating exploration intertwines historical insights with contemporary relevance, making philosophy accessible and engaging.
The verb 'is' serves as a fundamental component of language, influencing our understanding of existence and identity.
Three medieval theories reveal diverse interpretations of 'is': copulative, aspect, and substantive, each addressing existence differently.
Engagement with these interpretations enriches discussions on metaphysics, challenging traditional views of language and existential predication.
Deep dives
The Significance of 'Is' in Language
The verb 'is' serves as one of the most fundamental components in language, facilitating essential expressions of existence and identity. Different cultures perceive this verb uniquely; for instance, Hawaiian omits the verb entirely, presenting sentences with different grammatical structures. This linguistic difference highlights the complexity surrounding the function of 'is' and its implications for various interpretations in English and other more complex languages. Engaging with such foundational elements prompts deeper reflection on how we articulate concepts and relationships in our discussions.
Three Interpretations of 'Is'
Examining different schools of thought reveals three interpretations of the verb 'is' within sentence structures. The first interpretation, the copulative theory, asserts that 'is' conveys existence in simple declarations but functions differently in propositions with predicates, signaling a relationship between subject and predicate without independent meaning. The second interpretation, known as the aspect theory, draws from Arabic grammar and suggests that 'is' always signifies existence in both simple and compound statements. By classifying these interpretations, listeners gain insight into the varied philosophical perspectives on existence and the relationship between subjects and their predicates.
The Copulative Theory Explored
The copulative theory posits that 'is' embodies different meanings depending on its grammatical position in a sentence, influencing how propositions are constructed and understood. In simple terms, 'Socrates is' conveys existence, while 'Socrates is wise' indicates only a connection between 'Socrates' and 'wise,' rendering 'is' almost devoid of independent significance. This perspective aligns with modern logical interpretations, presenting 'is' as a mere connector or companion of the content it links, although critiques arise about its lack of existential implications. The discussion accentuates the need for philosophical engagement with the concept of being to appreciate its full depth within metaphysical arguments.
Understanding the Aspect Theory
The aspect theory, largely inspired by Avicenna's Arabic grammatical approach, proposes that 'is' signifies existence in both simple and complex sentence structures consistently. This theoretical framework suggests that language constructs sentences by predicating existence upon the subject, transforming the nature of statements altogether, especially in the context of categorical assertions. The theory challenges traditional views by positing that both 'Socrates is' and 'Socrates is wise' communicate an underlying predication of existence, and thus can be viewed as an assertion of being present in different forms. Such discourse helps pave the way for reassessing medieval and modern understandings of language and existence.
The Substantive Verb Theory and Its Implications
The substantive verb theory is positioned as a third perspective, suggesting that the verb 'is' denotes substance or essence across different contexts. Unlike previous theories, it implies that both simple existence and complex attributes granted to subjects incorporate an understanding of essence, which transcends mere action or relation. This view stresses that when we assert 'Socrates is,' we are engaging with a notion of essence that is both substantive and crucial, offering a nuanced take on how predicates are related to subjects in philosophical discussions. By positioning essence at the heart of predication, this theory invites deeper inquiry into metaphysical discussions of being and existence, especially within the framework of Thomistic philosophy.
Today on Sed Contra, the Sacra Doctrina Project's Elliot Polsky and Urban Hannon discuss three medieval theories of the meaning of the word "is," and what difference this makes to contemporary discussions of "esse."
Music attribution: "Bach - Brandenburg Concerto No 3, 3 allegro" by Advent Chamber Orchestra. Acquired here. Edited for length. Used under Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
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