Power Structuralism in Ancient Ontologies Cartesian Transubstantiation
Aug 23, 2013
In this thought-provoking discussion, John Heil, Professor of Philosophy at Washington University in St Louis, tackles the perplexing concept of Cartesian Transubstantiation. He delves into the clash between Aristotelian and Cartesian metaphysics, unpacking Descartes' unique interpretation of the Eucharist. Heil critically examines how transubstantiation conflicts with Descartes' views on substance and accidents, prompting a reevaluation of traditional church doctrines. This engaging talk blends philosophy, theology, and metaphysics in a captivating exploration.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
How a Colleague Sparked the Inquiry
- John Heil became interested in transubstantiation as a metaphysical puzzle and read Descartes to understand it.
- A colleague's remark about Descartes sparked a deep research trajectory into Eucharistic metaphysics.
Medieval Metaphysics Yielded To New Pressures
- Medieval metaphysics shifted Aristotelian doctrines under pressure from Church needs and emerging sciences.
- This erosion opened conceptual space for ideas like the void and new physics.
Received Doctrine Of The Eucharist
- Lateran IV and Aquinas shaped the received doctrine: bread and wine convert into Christ while their accidents remain.
- That doctrine modified Aristotle but kept an Aristotelian framework overall.
