What is Neothomism in Philosophy?

Neo-Thomism is a philosophical current that emerged in the XNUMXth century as an attempt to rescue and reinterpret the principles of Thomism, a scholastic philosophy developed by Saint Thomas Aquinas in the Middle Ages. The term “neo-Thomism” was coined by the French philosopher Étienne Gilson, who defended the idea that Thomism could be updated and applied to contemporary philosophical problems and questions.

Principles of Neothomism

Neo-Thomism is based on the fundamental principles of Thomism, which are the search for truth, reason as a tool to understand the world, the existence of God as the ultimate foundation of reality and the harmony between faith and reason. However, Neo-Thomism also incorporates elements of modern philosophy, such as the valorization of experience and science, the critique of extreme rationalism and the emphasis on human freedom.

Contributions of Neotomism

Neo-Thomism made important contributions to contemporary philosophy. One of them was the defense of the existence of objective and universal truths, in contrast to the relativism and subjectivism predominant at the time. For neo-Thomists, truth is not just a social or individual construction, but something that can be discovered and known through reason.

Another contribution of Neothomism was the reconciliation between faith and reason. While modern philosophy tended to separate these two spheres, neo-Thomists argued that faith and reason are complementary and can enrich each other. They argued that faith is not irrational, but rather a form of knowledge that goes beyond reason, and that reason can help to understand and substantiate faith.

Criticisms of Neotomism

Despite its contributions, Neothomism also received criticism over time. One of the main criticisms is its supposed rigidity and lack of flexibility in the face of changes and advances in science and society. Some argue that Neo-Thomism tends to privilege tradition and authority at the expense of freedom of thought and philosophical creativity.

Another criticism is his supposed tendency towards religious dogmatism. Some accuse neo-Thomists of being overly influenced by Catholic theology and of not considering other religious or atheistic perspectives. This criticism suggests that Neo-Thomism may be limited in its approach and may not offer satisfactory answers to those who do not share the same religious beliefs.

Applications of Neotomism

Neo-Thomism has been applied to various areas of knowledge, such as philosophy of science, ethics, political philosophy and philosophy of mind. In relation to the philosophy of science, for example, neo-Thomists argue that science is not capable of answering all questions about reality, as there are aspects of existence that are beyond the reach of empirical science.

In ethics, Neo-Thomism defends the existence of objective and universal moral values, which are based on human nature and the natural order of the world. This ethical approach seeks to reconcile human freedom with the search for the common good and the realization of human plenitude.

Relevance of Neothomism in Contemporary Philosophy

Neo-Thomism continues to be relevant in contemporary philosophy for its integrative approach and its search for truth and harmony between faith and reason. Despite criticism, Neo-Thomism offers a philosophical perspective that can dialogue with different schools of thought and contribute to understanding the challenges and issues of today's society.

Furthermore, Neo-Thomism can also be a source of inspiration for those who seek a worldview based on solid ethical and moral principles, which go beyond current trends and fads.

Conclusion

In short, Neo-Thomism is a philosophical current that seeks to update and reinterpret the principles of Thomism for the challenges and issues of contemporary philosophy. Despite criticism, Neo-Thomism offers important contributions, such as defending the existence of objective and universal truths, the reconciliation between faith and reason and the search for harmony between freedom and order. Its relevance in contemporary philosophy lies in its integrative approach and its search for truth and wisdom.