Catholic Kermit

[here’s a weak summary of class notes for Metaphysics:]

We are “in media res” (in the middle of) the world, language and Being.  To be in the world is to be in the mixture of language and reality (being).  In the philosophical approach, we don’t go beyond it.  We simple recognize it.  We can take the theoretical approach for limited subjects, like sciences do.  Since we are not “theos,” we cannot objectify everything.  Heidegger says “language is the house of being.”  Truth is the unveilment of Being.  Being is that which cannot not be. 

In the theoretical approach, we use correspondence (apophansis), as in the sciences.  In the hermeneutical approach, we use unveilment of being (aletheia), as in the arts, philosophy and theology. The theoretical is grounded in the hermeneutical approach.  In philosophy, we need understanding, unveilment of truth.  In theology, we use revelation as authority.  Theology is not irrational.  Theology is transrational.

Revelation is the unveilment that we understand is from God that demands faith and invites us into creation, just as the creator has entered into his creation (incarnation).  Revelation is found in Scripture and Tradition. 

Philosophy and theology overlap in the preamble of faith: (1) God exists, (2) man is free, and (3) man’s life goes beyond life.

We are constantly “in” language, like a fish in water.  No language, no world.  As children, we begin our use of language referential unveiling Being.  We start with our identification as unique beings with proper nouns (ie. Mama, Papa, Spot, Lassie).  Metaphorically, we eventually make universal references (ie. parents, dog).