Aquinas · Catholic Church · medieval · philosophy · scholasticism

The Curse of the System….

There is an enormous distinction which must be drawn between the insights of Thomas Aquinas and the system which has come to be known as Thomism. The insights of St. Thomas are magnificent realistic flashes of  illumination which lay open a tremendous range of experience, cosmic, human and divine.  Like the authentic insights of every… Continue reading The Curse of the System….

Aquinas · Aristotle · Darwin · evolution · history of science · philosophy · philosophy of science · scholasticism

Scholasticism II: What’s in a PON?

Ed Feser wrote a thoughtful response to my earlier post on Scholasticism. And I’d like to expand on his comments, as my afterthoughts on Pieper’s point were brief. I’m a bit puzzled by John’s statement that “Scholasticism presupposes an Aristotelian philosophy of nature that is simply not adequate to support what modern science has uncovered… Continue reading Scholasticism II: What’s in a PON?

Aquinas · Aristotle · medieval history · metaphysics · philosophy · religion and science · scholasticism

A Return to Scholasticism?

There’s a great scene in Elaine May’s 1971 film, A New Leaf, where the main character, an aging WASP played by Walter Matthau, is being encouraged by his butler to marry rich in order to stave off bankruptcy. He’s frittered away his inheritance on expensive cars, the country club, and fine art. And he still… Continue reading A Return to Scholasticism?