Can Philosophical Skepticism Be Overcome? | Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P.
May 8, 2025
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Fr. Thomas Joseph White, Rector Magnificus at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas in Rome, dives deep into philosophical skepticism and realism. He explores the tension between skepticism and the nature of reality, referencing thinkers like Aristotle and Kant. The discussion includes the significance of essence and existence, juxtaposing Thomistic thought against modern critiques. White also sheds light on how art influences our understanding of reality, illustrating the interplay of knowledge and perception through human experience.
Aristotle's principle of non-contradiction underpins rational argumentation, asserting that contradictory statements cannot be simultaneously true.
The principle of identity emphasizes that each being retains a consistent identity over time, crucial for understanding existence and reality.
Kant and Nietzsche's critiques of traditional metaphysics challenge the objectivity of knowledge, promoting subjective interpretations of reality instead.
Deep dives
The Quest for Metaphysical Knowledge
The discussion delves into the contributions of philosophers such as Aristotle, Aquinas, Kant, and Nietzsche regarding metaphysical knowledge. Aristotle posits that there exist fundamental principles of knowledge that serve as the basis for all understanding, including the principle of non-contradiction. This principle asserts that contradictory statements cannot simultaneously be true, forming a cornerstone for rational argumentation and knowledge. The exploration highlights that Aristotle believes we know certain truths innately, which allows us to engage in reasoning and knowledge acquisition despite challenges from contemporary skepticism.
Understanding Existence and Identity
Building upon Aristotle's concepts, the distinction between substances and their properties is emphasized, shedding light on the principle of identity. This principle suggests that each being has a unique identity that remains consistent over time, allowing for meaningful discourse about existence. For instance, a human being retains their identity despite undergoing changes throughout their life, similar to how a kangaroo remains distinguishable as a specific entity. This notion of identity is crucial for grappling with questions of existence and the nature of reality itself.
Causality and Interconnectedness
The principle of causality is identified as essential to understanding the relationships between different entities in the universe. Each substance interacts with others through causal relationships, contributing to a web of existence that requires examination to grasp fully. The four types of causes—material, formal, efficient, and final—help to clarify how entities exist and act within their environment. The interconnected nature of these causes allows for the analysis of how human beings and other forms of life depend on various external factors for their continued existence and development.
Kantian Revolution in Epistemology
The revolutionary ideas of Immanuel Kant are presented as a response to traditional metaphysical thought, proposing a shift from an external world of knowledge to an internal, subjective understanding. Kant argues that our knowledge is shaped by our sensory experiences, leading to a construction of reality that is inherently subjective. His Copernican revolution suggests that rather than uncovering the nature of things, we create a mental framework that organizes our experiences. While this approach strives for a stable epistemological system, it also raises questions about the validity of objective knowledge, illustrating a departure from classical metaphysical realism.
Nietzsche's Critique of Metaphysics
Friedrich Nietzsche critiques the foundations of metaphysical thought established by Kant and earlier philosophers, arguing that the internal constructs of reality lack stability and are open to continuous reinterpretation. He posits that individuals can create their own meanings through personal experience and interpretation, rather than adhering to fixed metaphysical truths. Nietzsche's perspective views metaphysics as an artistic endeavor where each person shapes their reality, leading to an existential freedom that challenges traditional frameworks of knowledge. Ultimately, his critique serves as a call to recognize the fluidity of meaning and the potential for individual creation amidst established philosophical narratives.
Fr. Thomas Joseph White is the Rector Magnificus of the Pontifical University of St. Thomas (Angelicum) in Rome. Originally a native of southeastern Georgia in the US, Fr. White studied at Brown University, where he converted to Catholicism. He did his doctoral studies in theology at Oxford University, and is the author of various books and articles including Wisdom in the Face of Modernity, A Thomistic Study in Natural Theology (Sapientia Press, 2016), The Incarnate Lord, A Thomistic Study in Christology (The Catholic University of America Press, 2015), The Trinity: On the Nature and Mystery of the One God (Catholic University of America Press, 2022), Principles of Catholic Theology Book III: On God, Trinity, Creation, and Christ (Catholic University of America Press, 2024) and Contemplation and the Cross (The Catholic University of America Press, 2025). With Matthew Levering he is the co-editor of the academic journal Nova et Vetera. In 2011 he was appointed an ordinary member of the Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas and in 2019 was named a Distinguished Scholar of the McDonald Agape Foundation. He held the 2018-2019 McInnes Chair for theological inquiry at the Angelicum. In 2022, he was granted an honorary doctorate from the Catholic University of America, and in 2023 he was elected President of the Academy of Catholic Theology. In 2023, Fr. White was also awarded the title Master of Sacred Theology, one of the highest academic awards in the Dominican Order.
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