The Thomistic Institute
What Makes a Person Good? | Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
Dec 20, 2024
Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P. is the Director of the Thomistic Institute and a seasoned theologian with an impressive background in law and philosophy. He dives into the essence of goodness and happiness through Thomistic wisdom, emphasizing virtues and the divine relationship. The discussion also touches on how God's grace shapes human nature, contrasting divine goodness with human perceptions. Legge highlights the transformative power of unconditional love, illustrating how true goodness goes beyond mere subjective desires.
55:27
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Quick takeaways
- Aquinas defines goodness as a desirable pursuit linked to human perfection, emphasizing the importance of virtues in achieving true goodness.
- The role of divine grace is essential in overcoming the distortions of sin, enabling individuals to realize their inherent capacity for goodness.
Deep dives
Exploring the Concept of Goodness
The exploration of what makes a person good raises pivotal questions regarding the nature of goodness itself. Aquinas posits that goodness is not merely a subjective determination made by individual desires, nor is it solely about conforming to divine commands. Instead, he suggests that goodness encompasses two essential characteristics: it is fundamentally desirable and is linked to perfection—where the good represents what perfects a being. Recognizing the complexities involved, Aquinas emphasizes that goodness must be viewed in a broader context that includes human freedom and the pursuit of higher ideals.
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