Objection 1
It seems that Thomistic-style dialogues are an outdated and impractical mode of communication. For modern audiences, who prefer concise and engaging content, lengthy philosophical discourses appear inaccessible and irrelevant.
Objection 2
Further, such dialogues presuppose a scholastic framework unfamiliar to most readers today. Since these frameworks are not widely understood, the use of Thomistic dialogue risks alienating rather than engaging readers.
Objection 3
Moreover, in an age dominated by empirical science and data-driven arguments, the appeal to metaphysical principles—a cornerstone of Thomistic reasoning—appears inadequate. Would it not be more prudent to adopt contemporary methods of argumentation?
On the Contrary
St. Thomas Aquinas himself demonstrates the enduring value of dialogue in his Summa Theologiae. By structuring objections and responses, he illuminates truths through reasoned debate, thereby engaging both critics and supporters. This method remains a timeless tool for philosophical and theological exploration.
I Answer That
Thomistic-style dialogues, characterized by a rigorous structure of objections, responses, and resolutions, serve as an invaluable tool for intellectual engagement in contemporary discourse. Their merits are threefold: they cultivate intellectual humility, foster critical engagement, and provide a systematic approach to complex issues.
Cultivation of Intellectual Humility
By presenting objections before affirming a position, Thomistic dialogue acknowledges the validity of opposing viewpoints. This mirrors the scholastic commitment to truth as a shared pursuit, transcending personal bias. As Chesterton noted, “Thinking in terms of debate clarifies the mind” (Orthodoxy).
Fostering Critical Engagement
Thomistic dialogues encourage readers to wrestle with objections, refining their reasoning in the process. For example, C.S. Lewis’ The Problem of Pain adopts a similar approach, systematically addressing challenges to Christian belief. By addressing potential counterarguments, writers can construct more robust defenses of their positions.
Systematic Approach to Complexity
The structure of Thomistic dialogue enables clarity when addressing multifaceted issues. In contemporary contexts, this method is particularly suited for analyzing complex cultural trends, ethical dilemmas, and philosophical debates, as demonstrated by Edward Feser’s Scholastic Metaphysics: A Contemporary Introduction.
Reply to Objection 1
While modern audiences often prefer concise content, the enduring popularity of long-form podcasts and philosophical dialogues indicates a hunger for deeper engagement. Platforms like The Thomistic Institute Podcast successfully reach contemporary listeners by adopting Aquinas’ method in modern media formats.
Reply to Objection 2
The perceived unfamiliarity of scholastic frameworks can be mitigated by presenting Thomistic dialogues in accessible language. The core principles of reason and systematic inquiry resonate universally, as evidenced by Jordan Peterson’s adoption of similar methods in his cultural analyses (12 Rules for Life).
Reply to Objection 3
Though contemporary discourse values empirical evidence, it does not preclude metaphysical exploration. Metaphysics undergirds the scientific method by addressing foundational questions about existence and causality. As Wolfgang Smith argues in The Quantum Enigma, metaphysics complements empirical inquiry, providing a fuller understanding of reality.
References
Aquinas, Thomas. Summa Theologiae. Translated by the Fathers of the English Dominican Province, Benziger Bros., 1947.
Chesterton, G.K. Orthodoxy. John Lane Company, 1908.
Feser, Edward. Scholastic Metaphysics: A Contemporary Introduction. Editiones Scholasticae, 2014.
Lewis, C.S. The Problem of Pain. HarperOne, 1940.
Peterson, Jordan. 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos. Random House Canada, 2018.
Smith, Wolfgang. The Quantum Enigma: Finding the Hidden Key. Angelico Press, 2019.