Complementarity

Definition

Complementarity refers to the principle that different aspects or elements of a system can work together to form a complete and cohesive whole. In the context of philosophical thought, especially in the work of Aquinas and Scholasticism, this idea emphasizes how faith and reason, as well as the spiritual and material worlds, can coexist and support one another. This understanding helps to bridge gaps between seemingly opposing concepts, creating a more unified perspective.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aquinas viewed complementarity as essential for understanding the relationship between faith and reason, believing both are necessary for true knowledge.
2. In Scholasticism, complementarity helps reconcile contradictions between theological doctrines and philosophical reasoning.
3. The concept is vital for understanding Aquinas’s synthesis of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology.
4. Complementarity allows for a holistic approach to ethics, where natural law aligns with divine law.
5. By advocating for complementarity, Aquinas argued that both the material and spiritual dimensions of life enrich human understanding.

Review Questions

• How does Aquinas utilize the idea of complementarity to bridge the gap between faith and reason?
  • Aquinas uses the concept of complementarity to argue that faith and reason are not opposing forces but rather mutually supportive elements in the pursuit of truth. He believes that reason can lead one to certain truths about God and morality, while faith provides insights beyond human comprehension. This cooperation allows for a more profound understanding of existence, where both faith and reason contribute valuable perspectives on reality.
• In what ways does complementarity inform Aquinas's views on natural law and its relationship to divine law?
  • Complementarity informs Aquinas's views by suggesting that natural law, which can be understood through human reason, complements divine law revealed through scripture. He argues that both laws point toward the same moral truths, providing a comprehensive framework for ethical decision-making. This connection emphasizes that human beings can use their rational faculties to discern moral principles that align with divine intentions.
• Critically analyze how the principle of complementarity challenges dualistic thinking in philosophy, particularly in the context of Aquinas's work.
  • The principle of complementarity challenges dualistic thinking by proposing that apparent opposites can coexist harmoniously rather than being in conflict. In Aquinas's work, this is evident in his rejection of separating the spiritual from the material or faith from reason. He argues that understanding comes from integrating these elements into a cohesive worldview. By doing so, Aquinas not only defends his philosophical positions but also invites a broader discourse that recognizes complexity within reality, enhancing our comprehension of both philosophical and theological matters.

Related terms

Faith and Reason: The philosophical discussion about the relationship between religious belief and rational thought, which seeks to show how they can coexist harmoniously.

Natural Law:

A moral theory asserting that human beings can discern right from wrong through reason and observation of nature, complementing divine law.

Metaphysics:

A branch of philosophy that investigates the fundamental nature of reality, including concepts such as being, existence, and the relationship between mind and matter.