It seems that Thomism and Phenomenology seem to be the most predominant schools in serious Catholic thought these days.
Well, anywhere that you find actual serious Catholic intellectual thinking, Thomism will most likely be there, and oftentimes be there quite prominently.
Where do you anticipate these two schools moving in the future?
Thomism seems to be growing … but what do I know? Phenomenology? That, I think, might be growing too. No idea.
Both seem to encompass very small followings, particularly Thomism. I’m not sure if it is taken seriously by any more than a small minority of non-Catholics. What are your thoughts?
Personally, I know a lot of Thomists. And I don’t know any Catholic phenomenologists. I know they exist. But I haven’t experienced them.
More or less, most anything said with an intellectual Catholic taste to it has usually been influenced and formed by Thomas Aquinas. Certainly, it is very true when talking about metaphysics and natural theology. I would also say with issues of morality too, perhaps above all. I am open to correction on this.
I don’t know much about Phenomenology, but I am rather cautious of it. It is interesting to note that John Paul II, who was an alleged phenomenologist (but actually very much a Thomist) said that on the issue of ethics, one could not be a Phenomenologist and remain a Christian. Very interesting. The method used by phenomenology (whatever it is) cannot be used in moral questions. Thomism has that realm very securely, however. Whenever a moral question is discussed in the Church, it is bound to proceed through Thomistic filters. So, despite the diminution of Thomistic studies, Aquinas is still very much with us, and I hope he’ll be with us for awhile. I don’t know if I can say the same about phenomenology. But who knows.
I have an idea of what phenomenology is, but I’d like someone to define it for me. I’m sure it has some things to offer, but I sense that it is extremely limited … in some ways. Anyone know?
