Philosophical and Christian Anthropology Overview

PRINCIPLE OF NON-CONTRADICTION

something cannot both be and not be at the same time and same respect

PRINCIPLE OF IDENTITY

each being is what it is. I.e. a bird is a bird, this answers to the ever important, 'what is it?'

Essences

are universal; only one, unchanging no quantity, and in no place

FORM

the form of a thing is what makes it to be the kind of thing that is

MATTER

the receptive principle of a physical thing; that out of which a physical being is made

Intrinsic

from within

Potency

the potential of a thing to be

Actuality

having real existence

Substance

thing that exists independently

Accident

exists only in another

Substantial form

form of a substance

Accidental form

form of an accident

Prime matter

pure potency

Secondary matter

matter that already received substantial form

Substantial change

change to a new substance

Accidental change

change to a new accident

ARISTOTLE'S 4 CLAUSES

The efficient cause, The formal cause, The material cause, The final cause

Quantity

tall, 6'2, 187lbs

Quality

brown hair, brown eyes, olive skin

Action

teaching, talking

Passion

being punched

Relation

to his wife, students, kids

Posture

standing

Time

(right now) 11:06PM, night

Place

room 410, STA

Habit

clothes, pants, shirt, ring

End of generation

The fully formed dove

End of generated

The ultimate end of purpose of his action OR why did he make that dove in the first place?

Anniversary gift

The purpose or end of his action

Hylomorphism

The idea that everything is made up of matter (hylê) and form (morphê).

Body

The matter (the physical part).

Soul

The form (the essence that makes a thing alive).

Descartes' dualism

Purposefully separated the mind and body.

Mind

Thinking (makes one real).

Physical

These things are extended (i.e. objects).

Descartes' Philosophy

'I Think, Therefore I Am' - Descartes wanted to find absolute certainty in knowledge.

Third Way: Argument from Contingency

Everything in the universe is contingent (it depends on something else for its existence and could have failed to exist).

Necessary being

There must be a necessary being that has always existed and caused everything else to exist—this being is God.

Fourth Way: Argument from Degrees of Perfection

There must be an ultimate standard of perfection that everything is measured against.

Ultimate source of goodness

This ultimate source of goodness and perfection must exist absolutely—and this is God.

History Book

Material - paper, ink, glue; Formal - book; Efficient - author: Neil DeMarco; Final - to be read and learn from.

Human Being: Felipe Grossling

Material - guts, body parts, bones; Formal - human being; Efficient - parents, mom and dad Grossling; Final - to live, to exist.

Descartes' certainty

Only clear and certain things can be trusted from deception.

Mind and body interaction

These two realities do not interact, they are separated (dualism).

Contact between mind and body

Descartes said contact between the two was in the gland of the brain.

Descartes' skepticism

Looked for certainty in skepticism of knowledge.

Existence and thinking

If he was thinking, he must exist.

Monotheism

Belief in one rational, orderly God that influenced the idea that nature follows consistent, logical laws.

Ultimate Questions

Religious or philosophical inquiries, such as 'Why does the universe exist?'

Penultimate Questions

Scientific questions, such as 'How does the universe work?'

Scientism

The belief that empirical science is the only or the best way to gain knowledge about reality.

Science

Focuses on understanding the natural world through observation, experimentation, and evidence.

Religion

Focuses on spiritual beliefs, ethics, and the meaning of life.

Admiration for Hitchens

Bishop Robert Barron respected Christopher Hitchens for his intellect, eloquence, and passion for justice despite theological disagreements.

Hitchens' Fight for Justice

Hitchens consistently defended the oppressed, advocating for figures like Salman Rushdie and addressing issues like the Iraq war.

A Question of Moral Foundations

Barron questions how Hitchens, as an atheist, could have a deep commitment to justice without belief in an objective moral foundation.

Implied Connection to God

Barron suggests Hitchens' moral convictions may unknowingly align with the concept of absolute justice associated with God.

Historical Influences on Science

Many early scientists were religious and believed studying nature was a way to understand God's creation.

Science and Religion Interaction

The relationship between faith and science is complex, with periods of harmony and conflict.

Empirical Science

Science based on observable, measurable data that can be tested and proven.

Moral Guidance

Religion provides moral guidance and explains life's deeper meaning.

Purpose of Life

Religion deals with why things exist, including the purpose, creation, and afterlife.

Understanding Reality

Together, science and religion can provide a fuller understanding of reality, with science explaining processes and religion offering moral context.

Confusion in Science and Religion

Confusion arises when science and religion try to answer each other's questions, such as using the Bible for astronomy.