In this post, I want to share three puzzles I have about Thomas Aquinas' remarks on participation. In the event that I come upon a resolution to these, which I would be eager to find, I will update this post! But before getting into that subject, I wanted to say a few words about 'The … Continue reading Puzzles about Aquinas and Participation
Aquinas
From Anselm to Entelecheia: Free Flowing Thoughts
For this week, I wanted to share some free-flowing thoughts on various points of interest that have been on my mind lately. Matthew Levering says that "Anselm raises the possibility that there might be more than one nature that is inferior to no other nature. This would entail that the supreme natures be equals. But, … Continue reading From Anselm to Entelecheia: Free Flowing Thoughts
Polytheism and Classical Natural Theology
I am currently taking a course in Natural Theology, which is understood to be the discipline or science that proves or demonstrates the existence and attributes of God (classically conceived). Two of the works we are reading are Edward Feser's Five Proofs of the Existence of God and Matthew Levering's Proofs of God: Classical Arguments … Continue reading Polytheism and Classical Natural Theology
Thomas Aquinas and the Problem of Reproduction
My summer semester is officially complete! I have a 10-day summer break until the Fall semester starts, so I've lit my incense in thanksgiving and dove into my pile of books--which simply had to begin with Edward Butler's recent Polytheism in Greek Philosophy (a work I have been eager to finish, and am now quickly … Continue reading Thomas Aquinas and the Problem of Reproduction
Dialoguing with Aquinas on Polytheism
We are at a point in two of my courses where we are deep-diving into Thomas Aquinas. While studying various of his texts, such as his Disputed Questions, his Summas, and various Commentaries, I decided to return to Aquinas' interaction with polytheism. There was one objection of his that particularly struck me as a fruitful … Continue reading Dialoguing with Aquinas on Polytheism
Combining Aquinas and the Kalam
For years, champions of the Kalam cosmological argument like Craig have argued that the reason the cause of the universe is a mind is because it is either that or an abstract object: there just aren't any other realistic candidates. A lot of folks find this sort of reasoning...meh. I mean, maybe it's right. But, … Continue reading Combining Aquinas and the Kalam
Thoughts on De Mysteriis: Part 1
In recent weeks I've had the pleasure of reading and discussing Iamblichus' De Mysteriis over on Twitter with SolomonicVik, and I just wanted to share some of my thoughts on the text.Many of my readers are coming from an analytic, non-pagan background, and so are in all honesty unlikely to have any familiarity with this … Continue reading Thoughts on De Mysteriis: Part 1
A Polytheist Response to Gel
I originally composed a longer paper version of this post and intended to submit it for publication, but I do not think that is a fruitful use of my time any longer—I honestly don't think it will be until I get letters next to my name. And I will! Eventually. Until then, I'll fight the … Continue reading A Polytheist Response to Gel
Aquinas, Gods and Revelation
1. Introduction Those who have followed my work through the years know that Thomas Aquinas had a big impact on my thought. I considered myself a Thomist for some time and attempted to adapt his philosophy to a Pagan worldview – much as he did with Aristotle for his Christian worldview. I’ll enchant Aquinas, like … Continue reading Aquinas, Gods and Revelation
The Analytic Pagan 