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The Thomistic Institute

The Error of Beginnings and the Beginning of Errors: Creation and the Origin of the Universe | Prof. William Carroll

Jan 9, 2025
William E. Carroll, a recently retired professor from the Aquinas Institute of Blackfriars at Oxford, dives into the profound relationship between creation, cosmology, and theology. He tackles how misconceptions about beginnings can lead to errors in various fields. Carroll argues that modern cosmological theories do not negate the need for a creator and clarifies the philosophical distinctions of existence and creation. He emphasizes Aquinas’s insights on creation ex nihilo and the ongoing dependency of beings on God, while urging caution against conflating science with theology.
41:13

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Quick takeaways

  • The complexity of 'beginning' in cosmology and theology highlights the risk of misconceptions leading to significant philosophical errors about creation.
  • The relationship between modern scientific theories and traditional theological views underscores the ongoing relevance of classical arguments regarding causation and existence.

Deep dives

The Significance of Beginnings

The concept of 'beginning' is complex and multifaceted, often referring to something that precedes it and influences what follows. This relationship suggests that any discussion about beginnings includes considerations of subsequent developments and narratives. Philosophically, a misleading notion of what constitutes a beginning can lead to significant errors, particularly in relation to cosmology and theology. Traditionally, this has implications on how the relationship between the doctrine of creation and scientific discovery is framed.

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