Identifier
etd-07182005-072533
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Philosophy and Religious Studies
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
This thesis concerns the introduction of mystical knowledge into a debate about God that relies on scientific evidence. The thesis focuses in particular on the relevance of Thomas Aquinas' view of mystical experience. After first presenting Aquinas' theory of rapture as an anticipation of the beatific vision and distinguishing it from other ways of knowing God, I argue that such a theory convincingly renders mystical knowledge inadmissible into a debate about God that relies on scientific evidence, owing to one's inability to either remember or communicate such an experience. As a result, introducing mystical knowledge into the debate causes the religious participants in the debate to appear intellectually inept.
Date
2005
Document Availability at the Time of Submission
Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.
Recommended Citation
Edler, Casey, "Aquinas and the knowledge of God" (2005). LSU Master's Theses. 2648.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/2648
Committee Chair
Mary Sirridge
DOI
10.31390/gradschool_theses.2648