Status Updates From Guide to Thomas Aquinas

St Thomas on charitable dialogue as the path to truth:

“we must love them both, those whose opinions we share and those whose opinions we reject. For both have labored in the search for truth and both have helped us in the finding of it.” (P. 84)

Pieper’s ability to quickly and succinctly explain the nature of Thomas’ “disputatio” is incredible. He thoroughly explains how this method of conversational dialogue where both sides are able to not only be represented, but understood, was critical in Thomas’ teaching style. It is reflected in his works and therein lies part of his brilliance as a teacher.

Very interesting so far. Pieper does a very good job of outlining the life of Thomas briefly in the beginning chapters of the book. He then moves on to the conflict between Aristotelian philosophy and the “Biblical voluntary poverty movement.” He sets the foreground for how Thomas bridges the gaps between the two extremes.