Aquinas (Scholasticism) Flashcards

1
Q

What is scholaticism?

A

The methodology used within Medival Christian Universities in teaching/practicing the various human sciences (Humanities). This was a safe place that was tolerant of questions being asked. The Church was not a safe place to ask questions.

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2
Q

What is the characterism of scholasticism?

A

It is dialectic, meaning a formal back and forth conversation between two, often opposing, positions or ideas

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3
Q

Explain the dialectic method.

A

A student proposes a thesis statement. Then an objection to it is proposed (antithesis). Then you come to a sort of synthesis. Now an antithesis to the synthesis can be proposed, and the process starts again.

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4
Q

What is the Dominican order?

A

Aquinas joined this group. It was a mendicant religious group of the Roman Catholics oriented towards preaching and teaching, bringing together contemplation and active ministry. They honoured God through the mind.

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5
Q

What is the Summa Theologiae?

A

A book written by Aquinas. It was written as a “primer” for students. Hundreds of different articles or questions which all follow a similar philosophical format. The article begins with a particular question or topic, then, Aquinas lists several objections which are contrary to his own position. He then outlines comments or statements which counter the previously raised statements. Finally, Aquinas outlines his actual position on the matter.

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6
Q

What is Thomism?

A

This is Aquinas’ entire system of thought. It integrates an essentially Aristotillian concept of teleology (Final cause). We can talk about the purppose of things, but it dosnt mean we will always agree on it

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7
Q

Who is Thomas Aquinas?

A

he is one of the most cited Christian philosophers. He would ask the question “Without the Bible is it rational to think matter has always existed?” He would argue betwen Aristotle and the Bible. His inclinationwould be to go with Aristotle but the Bible would bring him back.

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8
Q

Practice the Dialectic method. (Ask chat gpt to have a Thomism conversation with you)

A
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9
Q

Why did Aquinas like Aristotle so much?

A

He was committing the potential error of being over-optimistic about finding the complete truth. He would try to reinterpret Plato and Aristotle to fit into the Bible.

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10
Q

What did Aquinas believe about faith and reason?

A

He believed they were not contradictory but complimenting. He believed they were both gifts from God and when properly understood they will not conflict

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11
Q

What are Aquinas’ five arguments for the existence of God?

A

Argument from motion
Argument from casualty
Argument from contingency
Argument from degree
Argument from design

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12
Q

What is the argument from motion?

A

Everything in motion must have been set in motion by something else. There must be a first mover.

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13
Q

What is the argument from causality?

A

Every effect has a cause, and there must be an uncaused first cause.

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14
Q

What is the argument from contingency?

A

Everything in the universe is contingent, but there must be a non contingent being that causes all the contingent things to exist.

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15
Q

What is the argument from degree?

A

There are varying degrees of qualities like goodness, truth, and nobility in the world, suggesting the existence of a perfect standard.

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16
Q

What is the argument from design?

A

The order and purpose in nature imply an intelligent designer.