Why Do Some Thomists Scoff At Analytic Philosophy | Philip - Neri Reese, OP
Mar 19, 2023
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Philip-Neri Reese, OP, a Thomist who questions the compatibility of Thomism and analytic philosophy, explores the dismissive attitude towards engaging with analytic philosophy. The podcast delves into skepticism arguments, explores incompatibility between Thomism and analytic philosophy, and discusses differences in drawing distinctions and challenges to dialogue between Thomists and analytic philosophers. It also explores the lack of unity in analytic philosophy and addresses the possibility and practicality of dialogue between analytic philosophy and Thomism.
There are two categories of arguments for skepticism regarding dialogue between Thomism and analytic philosophy: impossibility arguments and impracticality arguments.
Thomistic skepticism shares a similarity with the skepticism often found among analytic philosophers, highlighting the concern of self-defeat and the need to critically assess motivations behind skepticism.
Deep dives
Skepticism towards dialoguing between Thomism and analytic philosophy
There are several arguments for skepticism about the possibility of meaningful dialogue between Thomism and analytic philosophy. These arguments can be classified into two categories: impossibility arguments and impracticality arguments. Impossibility arguments claim that dialogue is impossible due to factors such as doctrinal or methodological disunity, lack of common ground, or incommensurability of doctrines or conceptual frameworks. On the other hand, impracticality arguments acknowledge the possibility of dialogue but argue that it is not worthwhile or fruitful. These arguments suggest that engaging in dialogue with analytic philosophers is a waste of time due to concerns such as reinventing the wheel, learning a new philosophical language, minimal common ground, or the belief that time could be better spent elsewhere. While these arguments present plausible reasons for skepticism, they may not provide sufficiently strong grounds to dismiss the potential benefits of dialogue. It's important to consider the limitations of these arguments and the possibility for fruitful exchange between Thomism and analytic philosophy.
Notable considerations on Thomistic skepticism
It's notable that Thomistic skepticism bears a resemblance to the skepticism often found among analytic philosophers. One common example is the brain-in-a-vat thought experiment. Just as some analytic philosophers question the reliability of our empirical knowledge, Thomists may question the reliability and value of engaging in dialogue with analytic philosophers. This structural analogy highlights the concern of self-defeat, where holding skeptical positions can undermine one's own beliefs. If Thomists reason that engaging with analytic philosophy is pointless because it might be based on false premises, they must also question the grounds on which they hold such skepticism. The concern of self-defeat suggests that relying on certain premises to dismiss dialogue may be problematic. Thus, it is important to critically assess the motivations behind Thomistic skepticism and consider the possibility of fruitful dialogue.