
The Thomistic Institute Divine Simplicity and the Complexity of Creation | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P.
Sep 25, 2022
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Why God Is Metaphysically Simple
- Aquinas rejects metaphysical composition in God: God is not a material form receiving being from others.
- Divine simplicity means God's attributes (goodness, wisdom, power) are identical with his single, non-composite essence.
Kangaroos And Oak Trees As Metaphysical Examples
- Fr. White illustrates substantial form with everyday examples like kangaroos and oak trees to show non-quantitative composition.
- He contrasts material sciences' reach with metaphysics, arguing God cannot be found by observational methods.
Essence Versus Existence Explained
- Aquinas distinguishes essence (what a thing is) from existence (that a thing is) as two really distinct principles in creatures.
- In creatures existence is received and individuates an essence, while in God essence is identical with existence.
