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Aquinas 101 - Course 4: Principles of the Moral Life
Episode 49 – Aquinas on the Stages of Human Action - Part 1 | Fr. James Brent, O.P.
Feb 24, 2020
Fr. James Brent, O.P., a theologian specializing in the philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas, discusses free agency and human action. The podcast explores the concept of free will and decision-making, delving into the metaphysical underpinnings of reality and the pursuit of happiness. It contrasts ancient Sophists' views with perennial philosophical traditions, explores lower appetites in human nature, and examines how intellect and will shape human acts. The discussion also touches on the pursuit of truth, the significance of every choice in the pursuit of happiness, and the duality of goods and free will.
52:55
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast delves into the intricate relationship between intellect and will in decision-making, emphasizing the initiation of movement by intellect and the engagement of will through final causality.
- An overarching theme highlighted is the contrast between the Sophists' view of humans driven by lower appetites and power, versus classical philosophers' emphasis on the higher appetite enabling individuals to perceive reality's order through reason.
Deep dives
Understanding Free Agency through the Lens of Human Action and Virtue
Human action and virtue are the focus of this discussion, centering on the concepts of Prima Secundae and Secundae from St. Thomas's texts. The exploration delves into the fundamental aspect of free agency, posing questions like the existence of free will and determinism. The podcast emphasizes the experience of free agency based on daily choices and decisions, highlighting the interplay between options available and the selection made in various scenarios like choosing meals or cars.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode