The Body: Philosophical and Theological Perspectives

“If the goodness, beauty, and allurement of creatures so entices human souls, then the divine fount of goodness, compared to the small streams of goodness discovered in particular creatures, will draw totally to himself the aroused souls of men. Whence it is said in the Psalms: They will become intoxicated from the abundance of your dwelling . . .” –Aquinas, Summa Contra Gentiles II.2.4, translated by Thomas Hibbs

This dinner lecture and discussion with Professor Angela Franks (St. John’s Seminary) covered 20th-century philosophical and theological perspectives on the body. Professor Franks’ lecture focused in particular on the insights of Karol Wojtyla and the distinctiveness of his vision vis-à-vis the history of philosophical reflection on the body. She also discussed his engagement with theology and scripture—including the Song of Songs and St. John of the Cross—as well as recent continental philosophy—including Marx, Scheler, Buber, and French personalism—regarding essence & existence, mediation, gift, and communion. The evening’s discussion, which included many undergraduate and graduate students in philosophy, was lively and lasted several hours. Subjects covered included the experience of love, the relationship between God and humanity in the Bible, phenomenology, and more.