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?'

Essence

the essential form (or idea) that makes a thing intelligible

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

Efficient Cause

that by which there is a coming to be

Formal Cause

that for the sake of which there is coming to be

Material Cause

that from which there is coming to be

Final Cause

that for the sake of which there is coming to be

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

Hylomorphism

Aristotle's idea that everything is made up of matter (hylê) and form (morphê).

Body (in hylomorphism)

The matter, the physical part of a living thing.

Soul (in hylomorphism)

The form, the essence that makes a thing alive.

Descartes' Mind/Body Dualism

Purposefully separated the mind and body; the mind is a non-physical entity.

Mind (in dualism)

The thinking aspect that makes one real.

Physical (in dualism)

These things are extended, i.e., objects.

Descartes' Philosophy

"I think, therefore I am"; finding absolute certainty in knowledge.

Argument from Contingency

Everything in the universe is contingent; if everything were contingent, there would have been a time when nothing existed.

Example of Formal Cause (Sculptor)

Sculptor can't move to sculpt dove unless he has matter or that form which there is coming to be.

Example of Final Cause (Dove)

End of generation: the fully formed dove.

Example of Final Cause (Anniversary Gift)

Anniversary gift is the end of the generated; the purpose of his action.

Example of Material Cause (History Book)

Material - paper, ink, glue.

Example of Formal Cause (History Book)

Formal - book.

Example of Efficient Cause (History Book)

Efficient - author: Neil DeMarco.

Example of Final Cause (History Book)

Final - to be read and learn from.

Example of Material Cause (Human Being)

Material - guts, body parts, bones.

Example of Formal Cause (Human Being)

Formal - human being.

Example of Efficient Cause (Human Being)

Efficient - parents, mom and dad Grossling.

Example of Final Cause (Human Being)

Final - to live, to exist.

Necessary Being

A being that has always existed and caused everything else to exist—this being is God.

Fourth Way

Argument from Degrees of Perfection, suggesting that varying degrees of qualities in things indicate an ultimate standard of perfection.

Contingency

The idea that everything depends on something else for its existence, leading to the conclusion that there must be a necessary being (God) who has always existed.

Degrees of Perfection Example

The comparison of beauty or goodness in people, recognizing that some are kinder or more beautiful than others, indicating a standard of perfection.

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 various causes from Cyprus and Greece to Salman Rushdie and the Iraq war.

Moral Foundations Question

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 that Hitchens' moral convictions may align with the concept of absolute justice, which believers associate with God.

Monotheism and Science Connection

The belief in one rational, orderly God influenced the idea that nature follows consistent, logical laws, encouraging systematic study of the world.

Ultimate vs. Penultimate Questions

Ultimate questions are religious or philosophical inquiries (e.g., Why does the universe exist?), while penultimate questions are scientific (e.g., How does the universe work?).

Science Grew in Religious Cultures

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

Greek Philosophy Influence

Introduced the idea of a rational principle (arche) governing the universe, influencing later scientific thought.

John Philoponus

A 6th century Christian philosopher who challenged Aristotle by arguing that Earth and the heavens follow the same physical laws.

Galileo's Conflict

Galileo supported heliocentrism, which clashed with Church interpretations at the time.

Scientism

The belief that science is the only or the best way to gain knowledge about reality, assuming that empirical (observable, measurable) science is the only reliable method to understand truth.

Science

Focuses on understanding the natural world through observation, experimentation, and evidence. Deals with how things work (e.g., laws of nature, physical processes). Based on empirical data that can be tested and proven. Changes over time as new discoveries are made. Can explain physical phenomena, but doesn't address spiritual or moral questions.

Religion

Focuses on spiritual beliefs, ethics, and the meaning of life. Deals with why things exist (e.g., purpose, creation, afterlife). Based on faith, sacred texts, and personal experience. Unchanging in core beliefs, though practices may evolve. Provides moral guidance and explains life's deeper meaning.

Big Bang theory

Proposed by Georges Lemaître, suggests the universe had a beginning—which some interpret as aligning with religious beliefs of creation, like the Genesis account.

Consecrated Life

A life that makes no sense at all without a belief in God, rooted in a call to holiness and path to salvation.

Evangelical Counsels

Living the life of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Poverty

A rejection of goods for another good—a total self-gift to God, the whole self is given away.

Chastity

A practice of self-control and purity in relationships, part of the evangelical counsels.

Obedience

A commitment to follow God's will and the teachings of the Church, part of the evangelical counsels.

Witness

The religious life is a witness by physically living like God/Christ.

Primary Call

Everyone is called to heaven.

Characteristics of Religious Life

Separation from the world, community life, contemplative prayer, corporate apostolate (service related), visible garb or habit.

PCO

Practices of poverty, chastity, and obedience that radically mimic the life of Christ and are aimed at perfection to remove attachments.

Faith

A belief that does not rely on empirical evidence, forming the basis of religious understanding.

Moral Guidance

The direction provided by religion regarding ethical behavior and life choices.

Existential Context

The deeper meaning of life and existence provided by religion.

Harmony between Science and Religion

Periods when science and religion coexist without conflict, providing a fuller understanding of reality.

Conflict between Science and Religion

Arises when religious doctrines try to dictate scientific facts or when science challenges religious beliefs.

Observable Science

Science that relies on empirical data that can be observed and measured.

Spiritual Questions

Questions that address the meaning of life, purpose, and existence, typically explored through religion.

Religious Life

Requires publicly professed views.

Communal Life

Provides support for each other in their asceticism, and a model of balance from any extremes.

God's Salvation

Our greatest treasure — it's not earned.

Witness to the Involuntary Poor

Poverty witnesses to the involuntary poor.

Celibacy

A higher calling than marriage; a renouncing of an incredible good (marriage).

Canon Law

The Roman Catholic Church has its own body of laws called Canon Law, which affects baptized Roman Catholics.

Marriage

A covenant and a contract; partnership of the whole life.

Moment of Consent

Marriage comes into existence at the moment of consent (vows) and is valid if the vows are said — full, free, faithful, fruitful.

Purposes of Marriage

Good of the spouses (holiness) and having and raising children.

Properties of Marriage

Indissolubility (lifelong) and unity (monogamy).

Sacramental Marriage

The two spouses must be both baptized; still considered a sacrament when both are baptized.

Indissoluble Marriage

A sacramental marriage is indissoluble when consummated.

Who Makes the Marriage Happen

The spouses (ministers) make it happen; the presider (priest, deacon, bishop) is a witness for the church.

Invalid Marriage

A marriage is not valid due to improper consent, impediment, or lack of ceremonial form.

Divorce

The church doesn't grant divorces nor recognize them as ending a marriage.

Dissolving a Marriage

Sacramental marriages that are not consummated can be dissolved.

Annulment

A Catholic annulment declares that a valid marriage never took place at all due to lack of proper consent or discovery of a restriction.

Non-Sacramental Marriage

Can be consummated or non-consummated; can be dissolved for important reasons.