The Thomistic Institute

The Convertibility of Being and Goodness | Prof. Thomas Ward

Jun 13, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Thomas Ward, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Baylor University, delves into the intricate connection between being and goodness from a Thomistic perspective. He articulates how all beings inherently embody goodness, encouraging listeners to appreciate the value of creation. Ward also touches on the implications of recognizing this goodness in fostering hope. With expertise in medieval philosophy, he offers insightful reflections that connect historical thought to contemporary spirituality.
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INSIGHT

Evil as Lack of Goodness

  • The privation theory of evil sees evil as lack of goodness where goodness ought to be.
  • Everything that exists is good insofar as it exists, but goodness can come in degrees among types and individuals.
INSIGHT

Natures as Measures of Goodness

  • Things always have natures with distinctive features and characteristic activities.
  • These natures serve as standards to evaluate individuals as good or bad based on how well they realize their nature.
INSIGHT

Goodness and Perfection Linked

  • Goodness conceptually connects to perfection as completeness within a nature.
  • No individual fully actualizes its nature, so all are imperfect to some degree despite many being very good.
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