Recently, the philosopher and historian Mariano Fazio highlighted that Saint John Paul II had a more tolerant attitude towards Kant than towards Descartes. This is because for Saint Thomas Aquinas, human dignity derives from the belief that human beings are the most perfect creature and have been created in the image and likeness of God, which is the foundation of their value. Currently, in a context of seeking unity and synthesis of thought, respect for classical ideas and the universalization of concepts, there is a tendency to often ignore the philosophical legacy of the Middle Ages and dismiss figures like Saint Thomas.
In personal educational experiences, there has been evidence of a bias towards more contemporary philosophical movements and a rejection of thoughts considered "old" or "outdated." Some teachers, during times of authoritarian regimes, were excluded, and upon their return, promoted leftist or non-realist currents of thought. Despite these ideological differences, openness to dialogue and respect for differing ideas have been valued aspects of philosophical teaching.
A personal example illustrates the importance of Ethics in philosophical training. When confronting predominant Kantian postulates in a final exam with a critical perspective on Kant's immanentist ideas, it became evident that originality and diversity of thought were valued by the professor in charge. Although there is a predominant focus on studying contemporary philosophers, the importance of knowing and respecting historical ethical contributions is highlighted.
Currently, there is a tendency towards individualistic and relativized ethical behaviors, which poses challenges in a context marked by "post-truth" and "postmodernity." Despite these currents, ethics and respect for classical thought remain relevant. The interaction between philosophical currents, such as those of Kant and Saint Thomas, demonstrates that despite differences, both perspectives converge on the idea that the human being possesses intrinsic dignity, based on their essence and not on external utilities.
Ultimately, personal educational experiences emphasize the importance of diversity of thought, respect for opposing ideas, and openness to diverse philosophical views. Through dialogue and reflection on past and present ethical currents, thought can be enriched and a deeper understanding of human nature can be promoted.
