Reasoning is compared to understanding as movement is to rest, or acquisition to possession…. Since movement always proceeds from something immovable, and ends in something at rest, hence it is that human reasoning, in the order of inquiry and discovery, proceeds from certain things absolutely understood?namely, the first principles; and, again, in the order of judgment, returns by analysis to first principles, in the light of which it examines what it has found. Now it is clear that rest and movement are not to be referred to different powers, but to one and the same.
Aquinas, Thomas
Reasoning serves as the foundation on which further understanding can be built, just as movement starts from a point of rest. Human reasoning begins with certain things that are absolutely understood, called first principles, and allows us to navigate the complexities of the world and make informed decisions. By relying on this foundation, we can journey from understanding to knowledge, from movement to rest.
Table of Contents
- 1 Reasoning is compared to understanding as movement is to rest, or acquisition to possession…. Since movement always proceeds from something immovable, and ends in something at rest, hence it is that human reasoning, in the order of inquiry and discovery, proceeds from certain things absolutely understood?namely, the first principles; and, again, in the order of judgment, returns by analysis to first principles, in the light of which it examines what it has found. Now it is clear that rest and movement are not to be referred to different powers, but to one and the same.
- 2 Aquinas, Thomas
- 3 Meaning of Quote – Reasoning is compared to understanding as movement is to rest, or acquisition to possession…. Since movement always proceeds from something immovable, and ends in something at rest, hence it is that human reasoning, in the order of inquiry and discovery, proceeds from certain things absolutely understood?namely, the first principles; and, again, in the order of judgment, returns by analysis to first principles, in the light of which it examines what it has found. Now it is clear that rest and movement are not to be referred to different powers, but to one and the same.
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Meaning of Quote – Reasoning is compared to understanding as movement is to rest, or acquisition to possession…. Since movement always proceeds from something immovable, and ends in something at rest, hence it is that human reasoning, in the order of inquiry and discovery, proceeds from certain things absolutely understood?namely, the first principles; and, again, in the order of judgment, returns by analysis to first principles, in the light of which it examines what it has found. Now it is clear that rest and movement are not to be referred to different powers, but to one and the same.
Reasoning is a fundamental aspect of human intelligence and plays a crucial role in our ability to understand the world around us. It is often compared to the concept of understanding, just as movement is compared to rest or acquisition is compared to possession.
To understand this comparison, let’s think about movement and rest for a moment. Movement always proceeds from something that is immovable and ends in something at rest. For example, when we walk or run, our body moves from one place to another, but it ultimately comes to a rest once we reach our destination. Similarly, reasoning follows a similar pattern in the process of inquiry and discovery.
In the order of inquiry and discovery, human reasoning begins with certain things that are absolutely understood, which are called first principles. These first principles serve as the immovable starting point from which the movement of reasoning proceeds. They provide a solid foundation on which further understanding can be built.
Just as movement starts from a point of rest, human reasoning starts from a point of understanding. This understanding allows us to make sense of the information we encounter and form logical connections between different ideas. By relying on these first principles, we can navigate the complexities of the world and make informed decisions.
However, the process of reasoning doesn’t stop once we have reached a conclusion or obtained knowledge. Just as movement eventually comes to a rest, reasoning also returns to a state of rest through analysis. After we have made discoveries or reached conclusions, we engage in a process of reflection and examination.
By revisiting our findings in the light of first principles, we can evaluate the validity and reliability of our reasoning. This process of analysis allows us to refine our understanding and potentially uncover new insights. Just as movement ends in rest, the process of reasoning returns to the starting point, bringing us full circle.
It is important to note that the comparison between movement and rest, as well as reasoning and understanding, highlights their interconnected nature. Rest and movement are not separate powers but rather two sides of the same coin. Similarly, reasoning and understanding are not distinct entities but are deeply intertwined in the process of knowledge acquisition.
This interconnectedness emphasizes the significance of reasoning in our ability to possess knowledge and make sense of the world. It is through reasoning that we can critically examine information, evaluate its credibility, and draw accurate conclusions. Without reasoning, our understanding would be superficial and limited.
In education, the development of reasoning skills is crucial for students. Starting from a young age, students are encouraged to engage in inquiry-based learning, asking questions, and seeking answers. This process helps them understand the importance of reasoning and critical thinking in acquiring knowledge.
By teaching students to rely on first principles as a foundation for their reasoning, educators can empower them to analyze information, think logically, and make informed decisions. Moreover, fostering a culture of questioning and exploration can nurture students’ natural curiosity and passion for learning.
In conclusion, the comparison between reasoning and movement, as well as understanding and rest, sheds light on the interconnectedness of these concepts. Reasoning, like movement, starts from a place of understanding and proceeds towards new discoveries. It then returns to a state of rest through analysis and reflection. Understanding and rest, as well as reasoning and movement, are not separate entities but different aspects of the same process. By recognizing the significance of reasoning in acquiring knowledge, we can foster critical thinking skills and empower individuals to make informed decisions. So let us embrace the power of reasoning, for it is through this process that we can journey from understanding to knowledge, from movement to rest.
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