In this essay, I argue that Tolkien's Sam Gamgee embodies a Thomistic understanding of humility. ... more In this essay, I argue that Tolkien's Sam Gamgee embodies a Thomistic understanding of humility. For Aquinas humility was a proper valuing of the self that helped resist the temptations to overstep the bounds of right reasoning. But the humble person was also, through humility's twin virtue magnanimity, able to do great things by relying on the aid of others. Sam Gamgee's journey from what Tolkien calls "vulgar conceit" to ennobled humility serves as an exemplar of Thomistic virtue.
Abstract: Most criticisms of the New Atheism are attempts at traditional apologetics. However, Ch... more Abstract: Most criticisms of the New Atheism are attempts at traditional apologetics. However, Christians who wish to defend the faith against the onslaughts of these critics might appeal to virtue epistemology by showing that the New Atheists do not possess the necessary habits of thought that a person would need to make a careful and thoughtful consideration of the evidence. In fact, the New Atheists fail to practice intellectual humility and this prevents them from genuine engagement with the strengths religion offers.
Key words: new atheism, Dawkins, humility, pride, virtue epistemology
In this essay, I argue that Tolkien's Sam Gamgee embodies a Thomistic understanding of humility. ... more In this essay, I argue that Tolkien's Sam Gamgee embodies a Thomistic understanding of humility. For Aquinas humility was a proper valuing of the self that helped resist the temptations to overstep the bounds of right reasoning. But the humble person was also, through humility's twin virtue magnanimity, able to do great things by relying on the aid of others. Sam Gamgee's journey from what Tolkien calls "vulgar conceit" to ennobled humility serves as an exemplar of Thomistic virtue.
Abstract: Most criticisms of the New Atheism are attempts at traditional apologetics. However, Ch... more Abstract: Most criticisms of the New Atheism are attempts at traditional apologetics. However, Christians who wish to defend the faith against the onslaughts of these critics might appeal to virtue epistemology by showing that the New Atheists do not possess the necessary habits of thought that a person would need to make a careful and thoughtful consideration of the evidence. In fact, the New Atheists fail to practice intellectual humility and this prevents them from genuine engagement with the strengths religion offers.
Key words: new atheism, Dawkins, humility, pride, virtue epistemology
Tolkien's depiction of the vice of curiositas stands within the catholic tradition of Augustine (... more Tolkien's depiction of the vice of curiositas stands within the catholic tradition of Augustine (who saw it as the 'lust of the eyes') and Aquinas (who saw it as the vice opposed to the virtue of studiositas). In their encounters with the palantír, Saruman, Denethor, and Pippin all are tempted by curiositas. But only Pippin can withstand the experience because of his inability to isolate himself from "The Fellowship.' While Saruman and Denethor give themselves over to knowledge too great for their capacities, Pippin is saved only because he cannot escape the confines of his community.
In this essay, I argue that Tolkien's Sam Gamgee embodies a Thomistic understanding of humility. ... more In this essay, I argue that Tolkien's Sam Gamgee embodies a Thomistic understanding of humility. For Aquinas humility was a proper valuing of the self that helped resist the temptations to overstep the bounds of right reasoning. But the humble person was also, through humility's twin virtue magnanimity, able to do great things by relying on the aid of others. Sam Gamgee's journey from what Tolkien calls " vulgar conceit " to ennobled humility serves as an exemplar of Thomistic virtue.
Most criticisms of the New Atheism are attempts at traditional apologetics. However, Christians w... more Most criticisms of the New Atheism are attempts at traditional apologetics. However, Christians who wish to defend the faith against the onslaughts of these critics might appeal to virtue epistemology by showing that the New Atheists do not possess the necessary habits of thought that a person would need to make a careful and thoughtful consideration of the evidence. In fact, the New Atheists fail to practice intellectual humility and this prevents them from genuine engagement with the strengths religion offers.
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Papers by Craig A Boyd
Key words: new atheism, Dawkins, humility, pride, virtue epistemology
Key words: new atheism, Dawkins, humility, pride, virtue epistemology