Ep. #119 – Divine Simplicity in the Summa w/ Dr. Kerr
Summary
Is divine simplicity a philosophical or revealed doctrine? How should we understand question 3 of the Summa? Why think God is not composed of matter and form or essence and existence? What do classical theists mean when they say God is not in a genus? How does real essentialism differ from modal essentialism? Dr. Gaven Kerr joins the show to tackle these topics and more.
Guest Bio
Dr. Gaven Kerr is a Thomist from Belfast, Northern Ireland, a married father of three, and a Third Order Dominican. Previously, he taught theology at Mary Immaculate College Limerick and now teaches philosophy at St. Patrick’s college Maynooth. He focuses on philosophy and theology in general and the thought of St Thomas Aquinas in particular. He’s also the author of several books, including Aquinas and the Metaphysics of Creation.
Show Outline
- What is the doctrine of divine simplicity?
- Is it a philosophical or revealed doctrine or both?
- What comes before question 3 in the Summa and does the order matter?
- How does Aquinas argue God is not a body or composed of matter and form? Do you agree?
- Why think God is not composed of nature and supposit or essence and existence?
- Can you explain the difference between modal essentialism and real essentialism?
- How does Aquinas argue that God is altogether simple and does not enter into composition with creatures?
- If God doesn’t enter into composition, then what does it mean that God became man in the Incarnation?
Resources
Aquinas and the Metaphysics of Creation by Dr. Gaven Kerr
Engaging the Doctrine of Creation by Dr. Matthew Levering
Related Episodes
BONUS|Aquinas and the Metaphysics of Creation w/ Dr. Kerr
Ep. #64 – Absolute Divine Simplicity w/ Dr. Dolezal
Ep. #100 – Divine Simplicity & the Holy Trinity w/ Fr. Thomas Joseph White
