Show Notes
In this episode, we explore St Thomas Aquinas’ First Way, also known as the Argument from Motion. This is one of the most influential philosophical arguments for the existence of God. Building on our introduction to cosmological arguments, we unpack Aquinas’ reasoning step by step. What does he mean by “motion”? Why does every change require a cause? And how does observing change in the world lead Aquinas to conclude that there must be an Unmoved Mover upon whom everything else depends? In this episode, we discuss: What Thomas Aquinas means by “motion” The difference between potentiality and actuality Why nothing can move itself from potential to actual How chains of simultaneous cause and effect differ from causes stretching through time Aquinas’ distinction between primary and secondary causes Why an infinite hierarchical series of causes cannot explain change The meaning of the Unmoved Mover Why Aquinas’ First Way is a philosophical argument for God’s existence, and not yet a complete proof of every Christian belief about God This episode is part of our series on St Thomas Aquinas’ Five Ways and the classical arguments for the existence of God. Whether you’re interested in philosophy, Catholic theology, apologetics, metaphysics, or the relationship between faith and reason, I hope these episodes help make Aquinas’ thought more accessible and encourage you to explore his arguments for yourself. SUPPORT THE PODCAST This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of viewers. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating through the following links: Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6WSCLFHLCDXH2 Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/caitlinwest Contact: www.caitlinwest.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/
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What if needing other people isn't a sign of weakness? What if it's actually part of God's design for the human person? In this episode, we continue our deep dive into St John Paul II's Theology of the Body. We return to Genesis to explore the creation of Eve and two fundamental experiences of the human person: original unity and original nakedness. Through Adam and Eve's encounter, John Paul II reveals what it means to be created male and female, why human beings are made for relationship, and how our bodies reveal a deeper calling to love, communion, and self-gift. In this episode, we discuss: Why the human person is made for relationship Eve as 'helpmate' What it means to be created male and female John Paul II's concept of "original unity" How difference can lead to unity rather than division What the body reveals about our capacity for self-gift How marriage is an image of the Trinity Why the meaning of human existence is connected to love What John Paul II means by "original nakedness" The difference between looking at someone's body and truly seeing them as a person What original unity and nakedness can teach us about our relationships today John Paul II's reading of Genesis reveals that we aren't made simply to exist alongside one another. We are made to know and be known, to love and be loved, and ultimately to make a gift of ourselves to others. SUPPORT THE PODCAST This podcast relies 100% on the generosity of viewers. If you have found these episodes helpful and would like to support the future of Crash Course Catholicism, please consider donating via the following links: Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6WSCLFHLCDXH2 Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/caitlinwest Contact: www.caitlinwest.com
In this episode, we continue our series on St Thomas Aquinas' Five Ways by exploring his Fourth Way: the Argument from Gradation, or Degree.