Zoom

Join Prof. John O’Callaghan (University of Notre Dame) and other students to discuss Aquinas’ quinque viae, specifically the third way, for the existence of God as presented in the Summa Theologiae. The group will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays between February 6 and February 29 to discuss short readings on the reading group’s theme.

Description:

A discussion of Aquinas’ Five Ways for arguing “deum esse,” often translated as “that God exists.”  Is the existence of God self-evident? Is it demonstrable.  Is the best way of translating “deum esse” in that context or that a god exists.  Following that we will look very broadly at all of the Five Ways, before focusing specifically on the 3rd Way. In considering the 3rd Way we will consider three objections commonly directed at it.  First, that it is confused about notions of possibility, necessity, and contingency.  Second, that it depends upon the implausible premise that there cannot be an infinite regress of causes.  Third, that it commits an elementary logical fallacy that even the dullest 18 year old student in a course on logic is taught to identify and avoid, namely, the Quantifier Shift Fallacy.  A veritable trinity of problems.

Readings:

ST Ia, Q2

ST Ia, Q1 (Preparatory Reading)

When? Tuesdays and Thursdays between February 6 and February 29

What time? 9:00-10:00 pm ET

Where? Zoom

Who can apply? Graduate and advanced undergraduate students.

Application Deadline? January 30

Space is limited. These reading groups are intentionally small to facilitate good discussion. If you are admitted, please be diligent in attending. Additionally, if you are not admitted to this group, we encourage you to apply to other groups later in the semester.

Applications for this reading group have closed.