God, Evolution, and the Big Bang: The Theology of Creation according to Aquinas | Prof. Gaven Kerr
Oct 4, 2019
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Prof. Gaven Kerr discusses Aquinas's Five Ways as rational proof of God's existence. He explores causal series, essence vs. existence, and Aquinas's view on evolution. The importance of understanding philosophical arguments is highlighted, along with debates on the existence of God.
Aquinas emphasizes the need for definite proof of God's existence beyond faith alone.
Aquinas distinguishes between accidental and essential causal series, highlighting the necessity of a primary cause in essential series.
Existence depends on a primary cause, likened to the sun's illumination for geographical regions.
Aquinas's philosophical framework harmonizes scientific ideas like evolution with the notion of God as the primary cause of existence.
Deep dives
The Concept of God in Philosophical Inquiry
Aquinas delves into the existence of God, emphasizing the need for definite proof rather than faith alone. He presents philosophical demonstrations for God's existence as prerequisites to faith. Aquinas, a man of faith and profound thinking, argues for philosophical proofs of God's existence, linking them to the dependency relationship between cause and effect.
Causal Series: Accidental vs. Essential Orders
Aquinas distinguishes between accidental and essential causal series, emphasizing the dependency of later members on earlier ones in essential series like the relationship between a golfer, the club, and the ball. Accidental series, such as fathers and sons, can continue without earlier members. This distinction highlights the necessity of a primary cause in essential series.
Existence, Causality, and God as the Primary Cause
Aquinas argues that the existence of things depends on a primary cause, with existence being analogous to the illumination provided by the sun for various geographical regions. Pure existence, identified as God, is the primary cause from which all things derive their existence. This understanding aligns with philosophical reflections rather than scriptural interpretations.
Evolution and God's Role in Creation
Aquinas's philosophical framework accommodates concepts like evolution, viewing different processes as actions of secondary causes dependent on God. He explains the harmony between scientific ideas like evolution and philosophical notions of God as the primary cause of existence, bridging theology and philosophy in understanding creation.
Philosophical Reasoning and Theological Insights
Aquinas's philosophical exploration converges with theological perspectives in the Book of Exodus, portraying God as the primary cause of existence. This philosophical reasoning aligns with scriptural depictions of God's essence as existence itself, showcasing the compatibility between philosophical inquiry and theological insights.
The Name of God in Exodus
In the book of Exodus, the author describes God's name as 'I am who I am,' symbolizing 'he who is.' This unique concept portrays God as pure existence itself, distinct from a lion or any individual thing. The author's revelation of God's identity without philosophical reasoning aligns with later philosophical views. The coincidence or divine inspiration behind the author's depiction of God sparks a query into the origins of this representation.
The Philosophy of Justification
Philosophical justification requires understanding and following arguments to reach valid conclusions. Without comprehending philosophical reasoning, refraining from forming opinions is advised. Though personal beliefs may differ, philosophical justification involves rigorous engagement with arguments. In matters of philosophy, the ability to follow and evaluate arguments determines the validity of holding a particular stance on philosophical questions.
This lecture was given by Prof. Gaven Kerr at University College Dublin's Newman Building on 19 September 2019.
About the Speaker:
Gaven Kerr is a married father of three and a third order Dominican. He has degrees in scholastic philosophy and philosophy from Queen’s University Belfast: BA, MPhil, and PhD. His doctoral research was on the thought of Thomas Aquinas and Immanuel Kant. Gaven currently teaches theology at Mary Immaculate College Limerick.
For more information on this and other events, go to thomisticinstitute.org/events-1
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