Thomas Aquinas: 'We can't have full knowledge all at once. We must start by believing; then afterwards we may be led on to master the evidence for ourselves.'

We can't have full knowledge all at once. We must start by believing; then afterwards we may be led on to master the evidence for ourselves.

In his quote, Thomas Aquinas explores the nature of acquiring knowledge and the role of belief in the process. He argues that full knowledge cannot be achieved instantaneously and that it is through belief that we embark on the journey towards understanding. Aquinas suggests that initially accepting certain principles, without requiring immediate evidence, can lead us to delve deeper into the subject matter until we gain mastery and conviction through our own acquired evidence. This quote holds significance as it challenges the idea of immediate gratification and highlights the importance of gradual, iterative learning.Now, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept – epistemological skepticism – to further explore the depth of Aquinas's quote. Epistemological skepticism is a school of thought that questions the possibility of knowledge and challenges our ability to truly grasp reality. By contrasting this skeptical perspective with Aquinas's ideas, we can gain a greater understanding of the different approaches to knowledge acquisition.Epistemological skeptics argue that it is impossible to have complete and certain knowledge due to inherent limitations in human perception and cognition. They claim that our senses are prone to illusions and can easily mislead us, thus rendering any knowledge we acquire unreliable. From this standpoint, it would seem impossible to even begin the journey of acquiring knowledge through belief, as skepticism casts doubt on the very foundations of any form of knowledge.However, Aquinas's perspective provides a counterpoint to skepticism. He acknowledges the limitations of immediate knowledge but suggests that belief acts as a catalyst for the acquisition of knowledge. By embracing a belief and basing our initial understanding on it, we are encouraged to pursue evidence and further examination of the subject matter. This process gradually unfolds, leading us to accumulate knowledge and evaluate the evidence ourselves.Aquinas understands that belief can be a powerful motivator in our pursuit of knowledge. It acts as a starting point, sparking curiosity and encouraging exploration. Rather than accepting knowledge at face value, Aquinas promotes an active engagement with the evidence, allowing individuals to critically evaluate ideas and arrive at their own conclusions.By incorporating the concept of skepticism, we gain a new perspective on Aquinas's quote. Skepticism challenges the very notion of belief, questioning its reliability and usefulness as a foundation for knowledge. However, Aquinas's approach emphasizes the transformative potential of belief. It propels us forward, enabling us to engage with evidence and arrive at a more comprehensive understanding over time.Ultimately, Aquinas's quote highlights the importance of both belief and evidence in our journey towards knowledge. It reminds us that an open mindset, coupled with critical evaluation, are essential in our pursuit of truth. While skepticism may question the possibility of total knowledge, Aquinas's perspective encourages us to embrace belief as a stepping stone towards deeper understanding. By combining belief and evidence, we can engage in a continuous process of discovery, expanding our knowledge and broadening our perspectives in this complex and ever-evolving world.