Thoughts from My Tranquil Hours 4 - Eruption, Universals, Wisdom Tooth
Here’s a recent take of Eruption.
At 33 years old, I have a wisdom tooth coming in — the one my dentist told me was impacted. A curious occurrence, to say the least.
I have refused surgical intervention and committed myself to seeing how the matter plays out. Currently, there is no pain.
If the tooth comes in alright, I will assign modest weight to the theory of Intelligent Design, because of the obvious: my body somehow unimpacted the tooth — rearranged the bony structures — then started pushing the sucker out. I can only guess what marvelous mechanisms are at play in such a system.
If, on the other hand, the tooth comes in a chaotic mess, and should I almost die (or actually die) in the process, I will assign modest weight to the principle of indifference, from the grave if necessary.
Neither assignment would be decisive, but these things can add up.My publisher tells me The Best Argument for God is slated for an October release. I am currently very pleased with how this project has developed.
My recent article The Fitness Plan You’ve Been Looking For has gotten quite a bit of interest. I must emphasize, however, that the purpose of this blog is to preach philosophy, so if more fitness content is what you want, please subscribe to my “other” YouTube channel.
Question from gentle listener Mike, “Would you have any recommendations to read on universals? I have gotten into philosophy recently and am really struggling on the problem of universals. Not in terms of what the options are (I understand the differences between nominalism, conceptualism, the various shades of realism, etc.), but which one of those is correct. Thank you!”
For a place to start, I recommend Jeff Brower’s article Aquinas on the Problem of Universals.
Before reading, recall the following point about essence for Aquinas: that essence absolutely considered is neither something individuated in substances nor an object of thought. For Aquinas, whatever essence is as such belongs to it apart from its existence in minds or substances, since its fundamental character can be instantiated in both. Nevertheless, Aquinas is not a Platonic realist, and this absolute consideration of essence should not cause one to think there is some third realm of forms. Essence absolutely considered is just a way of considering essence.Finally, I ask that everyone please pray for our regular listener Jack and his fiancé.
“Pat, my fiance was in a horrible car accident yesterday. She's in the STICU, both legs broken, both arms broken, more injuries than I can count. Please keep her in your prayers and pass the word on to anyone who'll pray. God can work miracles.”