The Thomistic Institute Aquinas on the Identity of Essence and Existence in God | Prof. Michael Gorman
May 7, 2025
Michael Gorman, a Professor of Philosophy at The Catholic University of America, dives deep into Aquinas' doctrines. He explores the profound relationship between essence and existence in God, arguing that they are identical. Gorman discusses divine simplicity, emphasizing that God’s nature is uncomplicated, unlike created beings. He elaborates on how divine perfection reflects in creation and clarifies the limitations of human language when describing God’s essence. His insights illuminate the intricate metaphysical themes central to understanding both divine and non-divine realities.
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Understanding Divine Simplicity
- Divine simplicity means God is not complex in any respect, lacking parts or components unlike creatures.
- This simplicity coexists with God being tri-personal and the incarnation being composite, showing theological nuance.
Essence as a Metaphysical Component
- Essence is not a separate thing but the defining traits making a being what it is.
- A being's essence can be seen as a component only in a broader metaphysical sense, not a tangible part.
Existence Actualizes Essence
- Existence actualizes essence; essence is potential, existence is actuality.
- Every substance has essence and existence as distinct internal metaphysical principles or components, producing that being's reality.