Paradiso, Canto 13 with Dr. Tom Ward

[@johndunham9236]

Thank you, Dr. Ward! Also, great moustache you have there. The density of the text in this Canto is poetry multiplied by scholastic philosophy. What a trek, but it is doable for those who reflect! I think the lack of attention on the stellar influences was not a good move. The Canto is quite cohesive from stars, to nature, to learning, and heresy. More should have been said, but the core is there. St. Thomas' model of scholastic inquiry and clarification does make me pause, reflect, and seek to judge correctly. One must rightly order knowledge into wisdom. This is a good idea from the guy focused on scientia ! Thanks!

[@VoltismProductions]

This reminds me of how in some of my classes in college, people would be brilliant in the subjects related to their major, but struggle tremendously at any general education class outside of its domain

[@thisissweeney5494]

‘stache goals.

[@rastarobby4657]

Thanks for your help with a tough one. Speaking of wisdom...best facial hair of the whole comedia!

[@Lu.G.]

Thank you, Dr. Ward. 👏🏻

[@treborketorm]

This is a great presentation on a very difficult Canto. "That what you believe and what I say stand in truth's ring, two points upon one round," i.e., individual intentionality and perspective. Every human being has a unique causal chain. We need to "Test all things and hold fast to that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21), to make sure that what is claimed to be true is really true. Trust the experts, yes, but only on the topics about which they are expert. Of kings there are many but of good ones there are few.

[@TheExceptionalState]

Thank you for this video. It is a pleasure of life to hear thoughtful people reflect on great works of art. I am surprised by your final conclusion, namely that you were not persuaded by the logic of Aquinas. Both positions on Solomon are reconcilable when we pay attention to the details of the descriptions. Could it be that you didn't pay enough attention to the details?

[@frankcahill747]

Thank you, Dr. Ward.

[@5kidsNeverDullMoment]

One of my favorite Cantos in Paradiso! Aquinas uses logic to argue his point that “people may not be as they seem” in showing Adam & Christ were not like other people (did not have the impact of environmental effects upon their actions) and thus could not be judged like other people. The beauty of his writing that not every person may be as you first assume is wise writing (much like a comparison to King Solomon). A ship may do everything perfect and sink. A thief may become virtuous. Don’t rush judgement now because you don’t know the end of a human life.

[@donwilkins3059]

Beautiful

[@patcamerino5456]

Canto 13: Dante invites the reader to join him in imagining the magnificence of the double garland of saints by considering the 15 brightest stars along with the 9 associated with the big dipper to yield the 24 dancers in the double rings revolving around him. They continue their paean about the Three Persons of the Trinity and the two natures of Christ. Aquinas reenters the conversation and comments about a reference which had puzzled Dante, namely, the wisdom of Solomon in comparison with that of Adam and of Christ. Aquinas says the wisdom of Solomon was due to his "indirect" creation as a human in comparison with the "direct" creation of Adam and Christ by God. Although "things" created directly by God are perfect, those created "indirectly" through nature can change. Only in Adam and Christ were the images "perfect." Moreover, what "may be true" is not necessarily what "must be true." A person can have information but lack wisdom or prudence about what a person should really do. One needs to move slowly when called upon to make a "yes" or "no" decision. Once made, the answers are retained, even if they are in error. People should not be too quick in their judgement of others. In Florence, “Bertha and Martin” were today’s “Jane and John Doe.” However, regardless of what you call them, your judgement of their actions may differ from that of God, whose judgement is more important.

[@dspill4010]

another great explanation.

[@sarahflynn924]

Perhaps significance of the wisdom of a king is relevant and most important as we all are called to the "Royal priesthood" and the wisdom of rulership is the most important kind?

[@gypmar1]

I feel justified in my opinion that the overall thrust of this canto was a little goofy! Thanks to Dr. Ward for pointing out many good tidbits regardless. :)

[@pjhammond494168]

Thank you, Dr Ward. I too am not convinced by Aquinas's reasoning, as portrayed in this canto. I get it that Solomon may have been the wisest king ever, in the sense of physical kingdoms. But was he really the wisest king ever? No, surely Jesus is the wisest king ever, for He was and is the King of the Jews. And arguably He is the king of us all. Thus, do we not need to add a further qualifier about Solomon? That is, we can only consider him to be the wisest king ever if we only consider the set of physical kingdoms and kingships.

[@tgold3311]

I find it interesting that Adam says nothing about wisdom that is recorded. Jesus talks more about foolishness instead of wisdom as if to warn. It is Solomon who speaks the most about wisdom. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom", and yet Solomon fell short of walking in this wisdom. Solomon boldly entered into foolishness with the intention of learning, but their were consequences tat he couldn't avoid.