Platonic Thought in St. Thomas Aquinas with Dr. Donald Prudlo

Today on Ascend: The Great Books Podcast, Deacon Harrison Garlick and Dr. Donald Prudlo explore the intricate relationship between Plato and St. Thomas Aquinas, examining how Aquinas’s thought is influenced by Platonic philosophy while also being rooted in Aristotle.

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They discuss the nuances of Aquinas’ understanding of universals, the nature of evil, and the significance of the body in Christian anthropology, highlighting the complexities of Aquinas’s intellectual context and the historical development of these philosophical ideas.

They discuss how Aquinas synthesized various philosophical traditions, particularly in his understanding of existence and essence, the role of beauty, and the moral implications of his metaphysics. The dialogue also touches on the early church’s reception (or rejection) of Aristotle, the influence of Islamic philosophy, and the evolution of Aquinas’ thought throughout his life.

Ultimately, the conversation highlights the richness of Aquinas’ philosophy and its relevance to contemporary discussions on faith and reason.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Great Books Podcast

03:11 Experiencing the Papal Conclave

06:34 Plato and Aquinas: A Complex Relationship

12:43 Aquinas’ Intellectual Evolution

17:02 The Importance of Reading the Great Books

24:25 Platonic Thought in Aquinas’ Philosophy

34:48 The Quest for Certitude in Philosophy

37:20 Realism and the Nature of Universals

40:56 Mind-Body Dualism and the Significance of the Body

47:36 The Reception of Aristotle in Early Christianity

54:09 The Distinction Between Essence and Existence

01:04:53 The Role of Beauty in Aquinas’ Philosophy

01:06:38 Exploring Beauty in Philosophy

01:11:23 The Role of Beauty in St. Thomas Aquinas

01:13:44 The Ladder of Love and Its Implications

01:19:18 Essence and Existence in Thomistic Thought

01:21:41 The Hierarchy of Being and Divine Wisdom

01:25:22 The Evolution of Aquinas’ Thought

01:27:35 Understanding Aquinas Through His Influences

01:30:17 Final Thoughts on Faith and Reason

Takeaways

  1. Aquinas is often mischaracterized as purely Aristotelian.
  2. The relationship between Plato and Aristotle is more complex (and harmonious) than often portrayed.
  3. Aquinas’ thought is enriched by both Platonic and Aristotelian influences.
  4. Evil is understood as a privation of the good in Aquinas’s philosophy.
  5. Aquinas’ understanding of universals differs from both Plato and Aristotle.
  6. The concept of exitus and reditus is a key Neoplatonic idea in Aquinas.
  7. The mind-body dualism presents challenges for Christian thought.
  8. Aquinas retained Platonic emphasis on the immortality of the soul.
  9. The early church viewed Aristotle as a lesser philosopher compared to Plato.
  10. Islamic philosophy significantly influenced medieval scholasticism.
  11. Aquinas’ distinction between existence and essence is revolutionary.
  12. God’s essence is existence itself, making Him unique.
  13. Beauty is integral to understanding truth and goodness in Aquinas’ thought.
  14. Grace perfects nature, allowing for a fuller realization of being.
  15. The hierarchy of being reflects God’s wisdom in creation.
  16. Aquinas’ later works show a deeper engagement with Neoplatonism.
  17. The dialogue between faith and reason is central to Aquinas’ philosophy.

Keywords

Plato, St. Thomas Aquinas, philosophy, Neoplatonism, Aristotle, universals, particulars, evil, mind-body dualism, Christian thought, Aquinas, Aristotle, Plato, medieval philosophy, essence, existence, beauty, Islamic philosophy, hierarchy of being, Thomism, great books

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