Aristotelian Philosophy in the Spiritual Exercises
- Format:
- Journal Article
- Year:
- 2017
- Journal Title:
- Gregorianum
- Volume:
- 98
- Issue:
- 4
- Language:
- Abstract:
Ignatius’s studies of Aristotle in Paris affected the way in which the book of Spiritual Exercises is written and structured. In the paper by R. García Mateo, there are four Aristotelian dichotomies worthy of thoughtful consideration. From the first dichotomy between Ignatius’s intellectual work and religious experience and from the second dichotomy between deductive reasoning and imaginary experience, the importance of the intellectual (rational) dimension of our activity follows. This intellectual dimension should be implemented in our lives with the help of imagination, but not supplanted by it. Good feelings about deductive reasoning are more import than just a reassurance. They serve a valuable function as a type of supra-rational validation of the rational process. From the third and fourth dichotomy between divine and human will, it follows that one should cultivate a proper (reasonable) type of freedom, and to the appropriate degree. In one’s decisions, one should seek both the rational justification in the light of the ultimate goal and also divine confirmation in prayer. From these four dichotomies, a special interplay between intellectual work (abstract thinking), imagination, intuitive confirmation of our decisions in prayer, and the right sort and degree of freedom come to light.
- Who (Jesuits):
- What (Subjects):
- Publisher URL:
- Page Range:
- 785-794
- ISSN:
- 0017-4114