Some Thomistic Encounters with Evolution

Hofmann, James R.

doi:10.1080/14746700.2020.1755548

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…Biblically based reservations about evolutionary science are well-known, but commitment to Thomistic metaphysics has also been a longstanding impediment. In an earlier essay, I noted that one of the primary weaknesses of recent efforts to fuse Thomistic metaphysics with evolutionary biology has been a lack of attention to how substantial forms function during evolutionary transitions (Hofmann 2020b). While Tabaczek makes a strong effort to productively break from this pattern, Chaberek takes a more reactionary stance both in his interpretation of scripture and in his rejection of the scientific consensus concerning universal common descent through evolution.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Evolving Taxonomy of Progressive Creation

Hofmann

2023

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This essay is a critique of a version of progressive creation developed by Michael Chaberek, O. P. He holds that there are exceptions to evolutionary descent due to the supernatural production of “natural species,” taxa that allegedly do not have biological ancestry, are theologically identified with biblical kinds, and are metaphysically characterized by distinct substantial forms. Chaberek’s assertion that these natural species correspond “roughly” to the Linnaean taxa of biological families contradicts modern scientific conclusions regarding the continuity of evolutionary descent. To illustrate this conflict, I examine some of the extensive evidence for the evolutionary origins of families within the Feliformia sub-order. I conclude that Chaberek’s assertion of supernatural progressive creation is a God-of-the-gaps theology burdened by a defensive stance with respect to scientific progress.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Evolving Taxonomy of Progressive Creation

Hofmann

2023

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“…In this paper I would like to draw attention to a few basic features of Aquinas' theodicy, first indicating some difficulties regarding the problem of evil-or even attempts to implicate God for evil-that have emerged in the wake of scientific achievements, especially in the field of evolutionary biology (Hofmann 2020;Ortiz 2022). These observations will make way for a reflection on fundamental issues, such as the divine causality as the First Cause, that is not as the causality of creatures (which often seems to ignore the contemporary debate around divine action making God one of many entities), His responsibility for evil, and finally whether this God's method of overcoming evil can be imitated by us.…”

Section: Introduction: the Forge' Of Aquinasmentioning

confidence: 99%

Who Is to Blame for the Sinking Ship? Aquinas on Divine Goodness, Evil and Freedom

Roszak¹

2022

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This paper presents the basic features of Aquinas' theodicy, first indicating some difficulties regarding the problem of evil-or even attempts to implicate God in evil -that have emerged in the wake of scientific achievements, especially in the field of evolutionary biology. What is needed in response to these challenges is an appropriate view of God's causality, which is analogous in character and does not constitute one of many causalities in the world. A correct understanding of the relationship between the First Cause and secondary causes sheds new light on the debate about the Creator's responsibility for evil in the world. For Aquinas, God's action is focused on the good of the whole, which is why the notion of integrity or rectitude, which was already present in Paradise, explains the accidental-not intentional-presence of evil in the world. Against that background, the paper explains God's manner of responding to evil as interpreted by Thomas Aquinas, which consists in conquering evil with the greater good, its paradigm being the Incarnation. For a Christian, this is a model example of how a man can conquer evil by strengthening good and persisting in it through cooperation with grace.

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“…A more careful delineation of these terms would facilitate a direct comparison to Michael Chaberek's unproductive conflation of all the above-mentioned concepts into a single notion of "natural species." See Chaberek 2021b, Hofmann 2020, and Hofmann 2023.…”

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confidence: 99%

Thomistic Hylomorphism and Theistic Evolution

Hofmann

2023

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Working within the framework of Thomistic metaphysics, Mariusz Tabaczek O. P. has developed a version of Catholic theistic evolution that includes speciation, human origins, and the origin of life. He assigns biological evolution to the domain of divine governance rather than that of creatio ex nihilo which only applies to primitive matter and human souls. This article reviews Tabaczek’s work with an emphasis on his argument for the compatibility of hylomorphism and evolutionary change through the eduction of novel substantial forms.

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Some Thomistic Encounters with Evolution

Cited by 4 publications

References 19 publications

The Evolving Taxonomy of Progressive Creation

The Evolving Taxonomy of Progressive Creation

Who Is to Blame for the Sinking Ship? Aquinas on Divine Goodness, Evil and Freedom

Thomistic Hylomorphism and Theistic Evolution

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