Philippine E-Journals

CONCUPISCÉNTIA: UNDERSTANDING HUMAN NATURE THROUGH BONAVENTURE AND KAROL WOJYTLA

 

Abstract:

In the Medieval Era, Christian thinkers try to establish the two-fold concept of human nature— man on his original stature and man after the effect of malum through peccatum. The effect of malum can be seen on the effect of concupiscéntia to man's nature, particularly on man's desire for things. This article used Bonaventure's philosophy to represent the medieval concept of concupiscéntia and how this notion continues to exist in relation to human nature in the contemporary era, as seen in the philosophy of Karol Wojtyla. To facilitate the discussion, the author presented the following points: firstly, human nature in general. Secondly, the philosophy of Bonaventure regarding concupiscéntia is tackled. Thirdly, Karol Wojtyla's concept of concupiscence as found in Love and Responsibility is presented, and lastly, the researcher pointed out the convergence and some possible objections to the claim. This paper not only presented concupiscéntia from the perspective of Bonaventure and Wojtyla but also demonstrated that there is continuity in Christian philosophy in discussing human nature, particularly its notion of concupiscéntia.