The 60-Second Aquinas
Lesson
The Nature of Reason
November 15, 1998
When I was first learning to roller skate, I would position myself against a wall and push.
Since the wall was an immovable object, and I was on wheels, I was able to propel myself across the floor.
The same basic principle can be applied to reason. Aquinas says that reason is simply a movement from one principle to another and that this "movement always proceeds from something immovable" (ST I, Q. 79, Art. 8).
In discussions and debates, the immovable point is that point at which the two parties agree.
For instance, if I wanted to discuss morality with someone, it is necessary to find the point at which the other person and I disagree. If we both agree that God exists, then that is an immovable point at which we could begin our discussion.
The fact that it is often hard to find an immovable point explains why discussing current moral dilemmas can be so frustrating.
Many people believe that there is no such thing as a universal right and wrong. From this point, no progress can be made in moral philosophy, and issues like abortion or homosexuality cannot be discussed in any reasonable manner.
Explanation of The 60-Second Aquinas Lesson
