the University Concourse
Volume I, Issue 6
April 23, 1996
Table of Contents

Send this article to a friend


This piece is part of a larger section called 'Questions, comments and continuing conversations'.
To see all of that section, click on these lines.

Thomism

The discussion of Thomism and phenomenology is both insightful and helpful.

It remains to be said that what Thomas teaches is simply more true, more in accord with the grandeur of reality, than is Phenomenological teaching.

In his Metaphysics (IV, 4) Aristotle says: "it is impossible that there should be demonstration of everything (there would be an infinite regress, so that there would still be no demonstration.)" In the case of Thomism and phenomenology, it is true that Thomas sounds the depth of creation's ontological splendor, while the phenomenologist does not. This truth cannot be demonstrated to infinity; it must be perceived by the intellect.

Courtney Scharfe (MA Philosophy)


Related Articles:
• To Systematize or not to Systematize: Philosophy at a Catholic University, Rebecca Bratten (I,1)
• A perennially valid and Christian philosophy: Why the Church gives St. Thomas primacy of place in Catholic education, Edy Morel de la Prada (I,2)
• The freedom of Catholic philosophers: Why we need not necessarily give primacy to St. Thomas, Richard Gordon (I,3)
• St. Thomas and freedom: a reply to Richard Gordon, Edy Morel de la Prada (I,4)
• St. Thomas and Catholic connaturality, Michael Waldstein (I,4)
• Thomism and intellectual freedom, Kathleen van Schaijik (I,5)
  • Thomism, Courtney Scharfe (I,6)
• Chairman addresses the question of Thomism in Franciscan University's philosophy department, John F. Crosby (I,6)
• Finding common ground between Thomists and non-Thomists in Catholic philosophy, John F. Crosby (I,7)
• A respectful reply to Dr. Crosby, Edy Morel de la Prada (I,7)
• On dwarfs, giants and little boys, Jules van Schaijik (II,3)
• Why the little boy is more apt than the dwarf, Richard W. Cross (II,4)
• Thomas not just a doctor, but a saint, Jim Fox (II,5)


[back to top]

© The University Concourse, April 23, 1996