Words of Wisdom: A Philosophical Dictionary for the Perennial Tradition

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journey (n.): (1) (Literally.) A physical movement or migration over considerable distance,especially by a human person or group. (2) (As a metaphor.) Common expression for the mind’s progress in philosophical and religious matters, and used as such in the opening line of Fides et ratio, #1. (St. Bona venture [1221–74], a contemporary of St.ThomasAquinas,named one of his works “Journey of the Mind to God” [Latin Itinerarium Mentis in Deum].For Bonaventure the existence of God is implicitly known by human beings; and such knowledge can be rendered explicit or evident via the mind’s study [sustained by divine grace] of God’s “reflections” in nature. Bonaventure’s journey [or “itinerary ”] thus parallels Aquinas’s Five Ways, but without the latter’s formal structure of rational deduction . John Paul II seemed to soften the differences between the two approaches; and this perspective continued during the pontificate of Benedict XVI, for whom Bonaventure, as well as Augustine and Aquinas, was a formative influence.) joy (n.): (1) In traditional philosophical psychology,a concupiscible passion arising in the presence of a sensible good. (2) By extension, a positive affective response to the presence of an object of desire that is intellectual or spiritual in nature. (Syn: delight. Contrast sorrow.) Also:“joyful”(adj.),“joyfully ” (adv.). Judaism (n.): The religion originating with the ancient Hebrew people and taking as its primary 149 J Carlson-02FJ_Layout 1 11/7/11 1:44 PM Page 149 150 judgment sacred texts the Torah (the five books of Moses) and other Scriptures referred to by Christians as the “Old Testament.” Key themes within Judaism are Creation and the Covenant with God.(The great Jewish thinker, Moses Maimonides [1135–1204], was an influential precursor of Aquinas. For a discussion of the name given to God in the Hebrew Scriptures, see Yahweh.) judgment (n.): (1) In traditional philosophical psychology, the “second” operation of intellect, whereby the truth of how things are is affirmed (and thus existence is attained by the mind) and falsity is denied or negated. Acts of judgment in this sense are sometimes referred to as “composition and division;” they involve awareness of the conformity or nonconformity of propositions with reality. (Regarding the other operations of intellect, see apprehension or intellection (simple), and reasoning.) (2) In ethics, the result of practical reasoning, which specifies what is to be done, either as a general rule or in an individual case. (Correct judgment in the latter instance involves exercise of the virtue of prudence.) Also: “judge” (n. or v.). judgment of separation: See the discussion under separation(2). juridical (adj.): Of or pertaining to the law, especially civil law (but also, for Catholics and some other religious bodies, ecclesiastical law). Also: “juridicality” (n.), “juridically” (adv.). just (adj.): Quality of acts or persons or social arrangements that reflect justice in either of its senses. (Ant: unjust.) Also:“just”(as a n.), “justly” (adv.). justice (n.): (1) The cardinal virtue by which a person is internally directed to give another person, or his or her community, what is due. Scholastic philosophers have identified a number of virtues that are related to justice: a) truthfulness (by which one is disposed to say what one believes to be the case when asked); b) fidelity (by which one is disposed to maintain one’s commitments); c) liberality (by which one is disposed to give of one’s resources to satisfy needs of others); and d) piety (by which one is disposed to give proper honor to those on whom one depends— e.g., parents, country, and God). Habits and acts incompatible with the virtue of justice would include dishonesty, unjust discrimination, and disobedience to legitimate commands of authority. (2) A common good —or several types of common good—achievable Carlson-02FJ_Layout 1 11/7/11 1:44 PM Page 150 just war theory 151 in systems of social relationships that embody the virtue of justice. (For basic types of justice in this sense, see commutative justice, distributive justice, and legal justice . See also social justice.) (Ant: injustice.) justify (v.): To give appropriate reasons, whether through formal or informal means, for one’s beliefs or actions. (See argument.) Also: “justifiable” (adj.), “justi fiably ” (adv.),“justification” (n.). just war theory: Long-standing and still developing line of reflection, especially within Christian tradition , concerning the justifiability of warfare. Historically, criteria of two sorts have been identified and characterized by Latin...