Aquinas and Augustine had various opinions of faith and reason among other philosophies. Aquinas believed that all truth whether it has been revealed or it is rational, it is from God. He also believed that science and philosophy lead to the truth. Augustine, on the other hand, believed that reason is something that cannot be neutral religiously. According to Augustine, reason is a function of the entire person and is affected by the orientation of one’s heart, passion, and faith. Reason and faith are also critical to moral knowledge. He ascertains that faith proceeds and understanding trails thereafter (Rogoyan, 2017). In this case, the situation was sympathetic for the pilot but the doctor had a moral duty, to be honest, and considerate of the people who the pilot will fly in case the heart murmur is a symptom of a dire condition.
In relation to Augustine’s theories and beliefs, reason cannot be neutral. Therefore, the doctor’s reasoning is based on the empathy and the sympathy she feels towards the pilot. The doctor feels obliged to not ruin the life of the pilot. Morally speaking, this, however, shows a lack of honesty and integrity as it endangers the lives of passengers in case the murmur is a symptom of something critical in relation to his health. Augustine would have insisted that the doctor reports the condition of the pilot to the company because understanding the pilot and the entire situation has to come later, not prior. It is what ought to be done and not necessarily what is to be done.
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Aquinas believes knowledge originates within the individual as it begins with senses. He argues that understanding knowledge from our own senses will make way for us to understand others and other things in the world. As the doctor examines herself, she will make a decision based on her emotions. This decision will be one where she withholds information about the pilot because she is empathetic to his situation. This might be a good thing, however, it is not the right thing.
Augustine and Aquinas differ in their reasoning. This is because different people have various opinions on life and diverse reasons for why they act the way they do. Ultimately, what is important is doing what is right and what ought to be done.
Reference
Rogayan, D., J., (2017). Comparative Analysis Paper Thomas Aquinas and Augustine’s Philosophies. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316988224_ Comparative_Analysis_Paper_of_Aquinas'_and_Augustine's_Philosophies
