Scriptural Hermeneutics, Ricoeur's thoughts, and theological method of Essay

Scriptural Hermeneutics, Ricoeur's thoughts, and theological method of Lonergan - Essay Example Ricoeur felt interpreting texts, events, and symbols that showed the human condition was a necessity in order to obtain understanding. He argued that a final explanation, while it is able to complement understanding, â€Å"does not answer the task of understanding† (â€Å"Rocoeur†). By exploring this belief as well as other modern philosophies, Ricoeur made significant contributions and influenced scholarship not just in hermeneutics, but nearly all the human sciences. St. Thomas Aquinas’ theological philosophy was that knowledge is revealed to humans by God and is conditioned by humans in addition to being imparted by God. He believed both reason and faith were means to attaining divine truth. The principles he integrated into his philosophy were based on the philosophies of Aristotle and Plato. Aquinas’ views led to the philosophical school of thought called Thomism (â€Å"Thomas†). Like Aquinas, Bernard Lonergan believed in the philosophy of Thom ism. He strongly advocated that judgment was not subjective but objective. He also believed that reason as well as the proper practice of theology could lead to divine truth and a better life. Also, like Aquinas, Lonergan viewed theology as a science and desired to integrate theology and philosophy (Tracy, 299).