Foundational Concepts in Philosophy and Theology

Academic Skepticism: Arguments

Academic Skepticism, as explored by figures like Arcesilaus, investigated doubt through various arguments. Two key arguments were:

• The Argument of Contradiction: This argument suggests that for any proposition, an equally strong counter-proposition can be found, leading to a suspension of judgment.
• The Argument of Doubt: This posits that while one can question all things, the act of doubting itself cannot be doubted, leading to a state of equipollence.

New Academy: Dialectics and Denial

The New Academy adopted a distinct philosophical stance, emphasizing the denial of certain knowledge and employing dialectics as the art of defending arguments. This school of thought diverged from Neoplatonism.

Divine Illumination: Theory of Knowledge

This theory of knowledge, later adopted by Scholastics, posits that human knowledge is based on the soul's direct apprehension of God and eternal truths, which are ideas revealed through a process of divine illumination.

The Soul: Immaterial Principle

The soul is the immaterial, permanent principle within a human being that persists through life's changes. It is distinct from the body and is responsible for vital actions and maintaining life.

The Pure Soul and Divine Guidance

The pure soul is clearly filled by God. Divine will is revealed in two ways: through the Bible and through our conscience, guiding us on the path we should follow.

Sin: Transgression and Separation

Sin is the breaking of God's law. It insults God and distances us from Him. Sin occurs when one loves material things more than God. Forgiveness for sin is sought from God, a concept central to the great churches of today.

Eternal Truths and Divine Illumination

The soul's knowledge of God's eternal truths is attained through divine illumination. These truths represent the unchanging essence of reality, distinct from variable material sensitivities.

Eternity: Beyond Present Time

Eternity, in relation to God, signifies existence outside the confines of present time.

Virtue: Human Capacity and Divine Love

Virtue refers to human activities related to the implementation of inherent capacities, indicating a positive moral tendency. It represents a permanent disposition, and acting against it leads to complete decline and loss. True virtue is characterized by the love of God, not self-love.

Truth: Foundation of Eternal Ideas

Truth is the foundation of eternal, infinite ideas, accessible to humanity. The ultimate goal of this path is to align with the true God.

Scholasticism: Reason and Faith

Scholasticism was a medieval philosophical-theological system. Its main objective was to reconcile reason and faith, demonstrating that they were not contradictory.

Spirit: Immaterial and Substantial Being

Spirit is an immaterial being, simple and substantial, possessing the capacity for self-awareness and self-possession.

God: Existence, Essence, and Knowledge

God is the supreme being, encompassing both existence and essence. God can be known through reason, by observing the beauty and order of the world, and also through faith.

Spiritual Goods: Path to Happiness

Spiritual goods are indestructible possessions of the spirit, serving as nourishment for the soul. Through these, souls can achieve perfection and happiness. Examples include wisdom, prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. These spiritual goods are attained through virtuous exercise, leading to true happiness. In contrast, corruptible goods are subject to chance and do not offer complete happiness.