The Compatibility of Evolution and Thomistic Metaphysics: A Reply to Dennis F. Polis

• Authors: Delfino Robert A.
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

In this article the author discusses Dennis F. Polis’ defense of the compatibility of biological evolution and Thomistic metaphysics. Some of Polis’ methodological and metaphysical arguments are examined and it is explained why they are unfaithful to the Thomistic tradition of metaphysics. There is a discussion of why metaphysics can, within certain parameters, critique the science of evolutionary biology, as well as a discussion of the role of metaphysics in the hierarchy of the sciences. The relationship between biological species to the notion of species in philosophy, including related metaphysical topics, such as essences and Divine ideas in God, is discussed. It is determined that Polis’ view suffers from a kind of relativism and nominalism that is incompatible with the moderate realism of Aquinas. Some of Aquinas’ key existential insights in metaphysics are discussed in this context as well. In addition to being corrective, this essay helps point the way to a better defense of the compatibility of biological evolution and Thomistic metaphysics.

Keywords

EN

God; Thomism; Thomas Aquinas; Thomistic metaphysics; natural philosophy; biological evolution; theistic evolution; science; scientific methodology; relationship of the sciences; abstraction; species; nature; essence; Divine idea; exemplar cause; ens rationis; substance; accident; substantial form; nature considered absolutely; real distinction between being and essence; relativism; realism; nominalism

• Publisher: International Étienne Gilson Society
• Journal: Studia Gilsoniana
• Year: 2021
• Volume: 10
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 71–102

Dates

published

2021-03-30

Contributors

author

Delfino Robert A.

References

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Notes

EN

DOI: 10.26385/SG.100103