Thomistic Epistemology (Aquinas 101)

Human beings do not invent the truth, but discover it.

Skepticism and relativism are really forms of despair. In the philosophical tradition that comes down to us from Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, one of the fundamental convictions is that there is truth. Further, that this truth is eternal and that human beings are capable of knowing it.

Thomistic Epistemology (Aquinas 101) - Fr. James Brent, O.P.

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[mariao]

We have political Sophists now. Thank God for the Dominicans teaching us to think about, and to live, the Truth.

[PInkW]

“To seek all pleasure in the physical order,
Is an offense against reason.”
St Thomas

[christiea]

I’m impressed by the quality of the videos. The content, the video quality (sound, image) and the easiness of the presenters (it usually takes years to non professionals to be at ease in front of a camera ).

[andresarpi]

These videos are amazing. Thank you all!

[robertortiz-wilson]

This understanding should be at the bedrock of every society.

[goeb]

Was Pilate a sort of Sophist, then?
“What is truth?”

...too bad he didn’t realize he was staring at The Truth right in front of him

[kristindreko]

Thank you for this video!
May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you!

[dustash]

It's so well said that relativism and scepticism are forms of despair. Thank you for the video.

[batnayanineveh]

Thank you so much for the treasure found in these short videos.

[titomontes]

Sin, especially lust, blinds our intellects and weakens our will. Those who are relativists or skeptics are usually those who need to eliminate truth in order to either justify their sins or ameliorate their conscience of their sinful disorders. Never trust an impure man’s philosophy.

[RK-trxk]

Great video. This series is a real blessing.

[jeremysmith]

What your saying about the enlightenment's separation of reason from God seems to illuminate much of the contemporary discussions on God and is sticking with me. Are there any good book or podcast you guys would recommend to explore this topic more deeply.

[fragrantdeco]

Whoever did the sfx for the video needs to repent. I never want to hear a generic sword clank as long as I live.

[siegfried.]

I have a question. How does Thomistic epistemology apply to immaterial essences? In the video, there are numerous examples of how we can be certain of the essences of many material things, like dogs, cats, birds, and trees. We use our senses to identify the core characteristics of these substances, we then use our intelligibility to derive higher truths from our sensory knowledge, and finally, we use our rationality to weave together all of these 'data' and create a more comprehensive understanding of reality. (Please, correct me if something's incorrect in that little summary I just wrote) However, how exactly would we apply that process to immaterial things such as justice, beauty, and goodness? Our senses may be able to show us a just act, a beautiful landscape or a good deed, but they can never show us justice, beauty or goodness themselves. So how then can we be certain that our knowledge of these immaterial things correct if we cannot use our senses to verify it? Is there another means by which we can acquire knowledge of immaterial things or are we only reduced to our sensory, intelligible and rational capacities?
Sorry if this question is too long and unclear. I hope it isn't too hard for you to understand. Anyways, thank you for this video and all the good work that you've been doing lately. God bless!

[toninobelimussi]

The simple and straightforward approach of the greatest mind of all times is despised and ignored, whereas every crazy brand of relativistic epistemology, however confused and demented, is deeply revered. Our world is slowly coming to a disastrous end indeed.

[johnalombardi]

Christie A,
Glad you enjoyed the videos, and the professional engineering work. The official name of the Dominican Order is the Order of Preachers, and the priests have a minimum of seven years of training after they complete their bachelors' degrees. Their rigorous education includes public speaking, and preaching. They are equally at home in front of cameras, in the church pulpit, or on a city street corner.

[mattnd]

These videos are so helpful! What is the best book you would suggest for a Catholic wanting to develop a Thomistic worldview?

[clintonlefort]

These instructive videos are really helpful. Is it possible to have one of the Dominican Friars make a video about the way and purpose St. Thomas uses Objections and Replies to the Objections in his arguments in the Summa Theologica?

[javanpoly]

This channel and speakers are refreshing! Life and all it's questions need exposition. Not a: 'because the bible tells me so' knee jerk response...

[Noblesix_.]

Even as an atheist I happen to really appreciate thomistic epistemology, sure I may have my disagreements with the man but he brought about a whole new age of reason to medieval Europe. It's also simple and easy to understand to the layman as philosophy should be.