Kontemplacja – przyrodzone i nadprzyrodzone widzenie prawdy

Abstract

Contemplation is today commonly understood as certain type o prayer and is considered almost only at the field of theology. It was widely popularized by T. Merton, who writes that “the true contemplation” is something slightly different to philosophical contemplation described as “the static awareness of metaphysical essences apprehended as spiritual objects”. Main goal of this article is to verify Merton’s view in the light of ancient and medieval philosophical tradition, which was perfectly expressed (as shown in short historical introduction) by st. Thomas Aquinas in Summa theologiae (especially in II/II, q. 180). First important distinction between contemplation and contemplative life clarifies, that contemplation itself is an operation of man’s intellect, while contemplative life can be understood similar to Merton’s view as “contemplative experience” Second distinction between natural and supernatural contemplation is possible thanks to an investigation on main qualities o f contemplation as such. These distinctions show that philosophical contemplation cannot be understoodias something absolutely different than supernatural contemplation, and superfluous in a spiritual life. It is rather a preparation or a way to the most perfect contemplation of God.