Pints With Aquinas
Philosophy, Philosophy, Philosophy (Dr. Alex Plato) | Ep. 371
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- God's predestined plan includes the Incarnation and Immaculate Conception to unite humanity with divinity.
- Scotus allows complexity in God while highlighting the inseparable aspects of divinity.
- Bonaventure and Scotus emphasize the unity and diversity of the Trinity.
- Engaging with evidence and truth is crucial amidst diverse philosophical beliefs.
- Alignment of personal values with intellectual pursuits aids in navigating philosophical perspectives.
Deep dives
Primacy of Christ and Immaculate Conception
Scotus emphasizes that the Incarnation of Christ and the Immaculate Conception of Mary were not contingent upon sin. The perfect lover, embodying God's goodness and love, desires the closest union possible between creator and creature. Therefore, Christ's coming and Mary's Immaculate Conception were part of God's predestined plan to unite humanity with divinity.
Divine Simplicity and Divine Ideas
Scotus presents a subtle view of divine simplicity, allowing for a certain complexity in God that does not jeopardize the doctrine. Unlike Aquinas, who emphasizes the metaphysical separation of divine ideas in creation, Scotus focuses on the inseparable aspects of God, such as triangularity and trilaterality.
Trinitarian Theology: One in Three and Three in One
Bonaventure and Scotus approach Trinitarian theology by emphasizing the interrelatedness of the three persons in the Trinity. God is expressed as one because he is three and three because he is one, reflecting the mysterious unity and diversity of the three divine persons.
Understanding Diverse Philosophical Positions
When encountering a myriad of diverse philosophical positions, one may feel overwhelmed by the multiplicity of beliefs and worldviews in today's society. The challenge of arriving at a firm conclusion in the face of contrary opinions is daunting, leading some to question whether they should hold any belief until they are confident enough to defend it effectively against any argument. This dilemma underscores the importance of engaging with evidence, following the truth wherever it leads, and being true to oneself by honestly assessing one's beliefs based on the available information.
Navigating the Complexity of Truth and Belief
In the quest for understanding truth and belief, individuals may encounter situations where divergent perspectives challenge their own convictions. This complexity raises questions about the nature of evidence, rationality, and the standards of belief. Acknowledging the limitations of human knowledge and the necessity of honesty in assessing one's beliefs can serve as guiding principles in navigating the intricacies of truth and personal conviction.
Balancing Priorities and Intellectual Pursuits
In the process of pursuing intellectual inquiry and engaging with philosophical debates, individuals may face the dilemma of prioritizing their attention and energy. It is essential to recognize that not all conversations or debates are equally significant, and focusing on issues that deeply matter and align with personal values can help individuals maintain clarity and purpose in their intellectual pursuits. By aligning priorities with meaningful convictions, one can cultivate a balanced approach to navigating diverse philosophical perspectives.
Creation of Bread as a Human Act
Making bread is a properly human act as it involves taking materials from the world that God has made, such as flour, water, yeast, and salt, and creating a new substance through our own design. By participating in the process of making bread, we acknowledge and utilize God's gifts to us to produce something that can give glory to Him. Both the natural process of making bread and its sacramental significance highlight our cooperation with God's creation and His divine plan.
Individual Essence and Personhood
The concept of personhood involves the composite of the soul and the body, which is connected to the particular genetic material provided by our parents. However, there is an aspect of individuality that transcends this composite, suggesting that the person is more than just the sum of their physical attributes. This individual essence, distinct from the body, may allow for the potential existence of the same person with a different set of parents in an alternative body. The ambiguity surrounding the idea of the person raises questions about the nature of individual essence and its role in defining personhood.
Theological Approach in Explaining Evil
Evil is discussed in the podcast, emphasizing how Christians interpret evil as a privation of good. The distinction between material evil, like a dog born without legs, and moral evil, which pertains to the will being deformed, is highlighted. The conversation explores the concept that a proper relationship with God is essential to avoid moral evil.
Educational Philosophy at Franciscan School
The podcast also delves into the unique educational environment at a Catholic school, specifically Franciscan. It is described as passionately Catholic and academically excellent with a supportive faculty. The school aims to offer a balanced experience, combining academic rigor with a Catholic life. The size of the student body is considered ideal, providing a safe and orthodox environment for students to receive a quality education.
Matt chats with Dr. Alex Plato (professor of philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville) about philosophy, and philosophy, and philosophy.
Locals supporters, ask your questions for Dr. Plato here: https://mattfradd.locals.com/post/2993031/todays-interview
A Primer on the Absolute Primacy of Christ: https://amzn.to/3G0sSnF
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Pints With Aquinas: https://pintswithaquinas.com/
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