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The Thomistic Institute

The Fourth Way, Participation, and Divine Perfection | Fr. Stephen Brock

Aug 18, 2018
Fr. Stephen Brock, a Catholic priest and theologian, explores St. Thomas Aquinas' fourth way of proving God's existence, focusing on divine perfection and uniqueness. The discussion delves into the role of form in understanding divine perfection, emphasizing maximal goodness, truth, and nobility. The concept of participation in divine perfection is also discussed, highlighting the necessity of a first cause embodying its essence.
01:13:20

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Quick takeaways

  • God's perfection emphasized through attributes and distinctiveness in the fourth way.
  • Maximal being as efficient cause highlights grades of perfection and origin of qualities.

Deep dives

St. Thomas Aquinas' Five Ways to Prove God's Existence

St. Thomas Aquinas presents five ways to prove the existence of a divine being that possesses a divine nature. Each way reveals insights into the attributes of this divine being, especially highlighting perfection. His reading of the fourth way emphasizes the connection to divine perfection, focusing on the uniqueness and distinctiveness attributed to God. The fourth way showcases the magnitude and distinctiveness of God's perfection, hinting at the divine form.

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