JPII's "Fides et Ratio" genuinely Thomist?

[JP2Admirer]

I think Aeterni Patris and Fides et Ratio are not contradictory. They both say that Thomism is a “way of doing philosophy,” not a philosophy itself. Aeterni Patris never defines a standalone philosophy; it intends “thomisticizing” to be an instrument for theology.

I never said they were contradictory, and while Aeterni Patris never 'defines a standalone philosophy" it has been interpreted that way.

That it was a closed system?

Not that it was a closed sytem. I myself, admit the temptation to treat him as beyond criticism because to read him is to stand in awe of the, in my opinion, greatest mind that ever walked the earth. If you have ever walked in Thomistic circles, you may have picked up on this flavor.

What Thomists claim that?

I should have chosen my words more carefully. I shouldn’t have said “claim,” as I doubt you will ever find in writing someone making that claim. It is more of a *mood *that surrounds Thomism and Thomists. (Again, I write this as a Thomist myself and I am myself tempted to treat him in this way.) On the other hand, I think this can be said of any school of philosophy – people ascribe to the schools because they think their master answered the questions better than anyone else.

I don’t think it’s about pleasing people.

You are right, in the end, it is not about pleasing people. That said, sometimes our nature as social beings dictates more to us than we think – even to popes. They write with divine inspiration, but the means of that inspiration often comes from how they wish to address their audiences.

I Knasas, John F. X. 1994. Thomistic papers. VI. Houston, Tex: Center for Thomistic Studies, University of St. Thomas.

Dr.Knasas was a teacher of mine (my favorite one); it’s funny that you should mention him here. I would recommend his Being and Some Twentieth Century Thomists.

 

[Geremia]

Dr.Knasas was a teacher of mine (my favorite one); it’s funny that you should mention him here. I would recommend his Being and Some Twentieth Century Thomists.

Was that at the University of St. Thomas (Houston)'s Center for Thomistic Studies? Did you complete a program there? How was it? I’ve heard it’s very good.

 

[JP2Admirer]

Geremia, I sent you a PM regarding the Center for Thomistic Studies.