Theology in Particular Episode 59: Philosophical Theology Applied: Act and Potency, Existence and Essence with James Dolezal
8 snips
Sep 19, 2022 
In this enlightening discussion, James Dolezal, a visiting professor of theology at IRBS and an expert in philosophical theology, tackles profound concepts like the metaphysical problem of the one and the many. He sheds light on the critical distinction between existence and essence, emphasizing how essence alone does not guarantee existence. The conversation navigates Aristotle's insights and their interplay with Christian thought, highlighting the unique nature of divine existence as pure act versus human existence as potentiality. Dolezal's insights challenge listeners to reflect deeply on the nature of reality.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Metaphysics As Knowledge Beyond Senses
- Metaphysics studies being as being and the principles beyond sense experience.
- The intellect abstracts universals (whatness) from particulars to know essences.
Universals Are Causal Whatness
- The intellect penetrates from a particular dog to the universal 'caninity.'
- Universals are causal principles present in particulars but not identical to them.
Parmenides' Challenge To Plurality
- Parmenides raised the core dilemma: how does being account for differentiation?
- He argued non-being cannot explain otherness, leading him to deny plurality and change.
