" Knowledge is good in itself and should be pursued for its own sake.
"All men by nature desire to know," Aristotle wrote. St. Thomas Aquinas agreed, and strengthened the point by his interpretation of the book of Genesis. We are made in God's "image and likeness," in that we have an intellect, by which we know and understand; and a will, by which we choose. The pursuit of knowledge is not only part of a good human; it is the human activity in which we are most like God. Seeking knowledge is, therefore, good in itself.
Moreover, the Catholic tradition insists on the unity of all knowledge. Truth is one. Knowledge in every branch of inquiry is intrinsically valuable, and scholars in diverse disciplines pursue the same truth. Truths found in physics and biology do relate to those found in art, literature, and philosophy, and our common pursuit of truth must include conversations across disciplines. The Catholic tradition resists the fragmentation of knowledge; it insists on the essential unity of a university.
This is a Catholic vision, but not exclusively so. Scholars throughout history have affirmed by their lives that knowledge is valuable for its own sake, and their commitment to a common, respectful conversation has revealed a belief that truth is one.
The second principle: There is a deep harmony between faith and reason.
Our faith inspires our use of reason, and reason sharpens our understanding of faith. Together, they both serve our search for truth...".
John I Jenkins...
"Human curiosity soon asks the question HOW: In what way (did the universe) come to be? And since recognizable "pattern" suggests design, may proceed to "why"....
Those who believe in a personal God, Creator, do not think the Universe is in itself worshipful, though devoted study of it may be one of the way of honoring Him...." JRR Tolkien
FINEST KIND CLINIC AND FISHMARKET.... Discussing medicine, culture, and the joys of cooking Pansit.
