In this episode of The Open Door, Professor Callum Scott on being a Catholic Philosopher in South Africa (November 2, 2022)

This week (November 2nd) on The Open Door we’ll discuss Thomism and…South Africa! Context counts, so we’ll also be talking about Catholicism in South Africa. We’re looking forward to our first virtual visit to this beautiful and fascinating country. Our welcome and special guest is Prof. Callum Scott. He teaches in the Department of Philosophy & Practical and Systematic Theology at the University of South Africa. Scott is a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Pretoria.

Among the questions we’ll ask are the following. Please don’t hesitate to suggest others!

1. Prof. Scott, Callum if we may, could you please tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
2. How did you come to be a philosopher? You have a special interest in the philosophy of science. What led you to Thomism?
3. You’ve recently returned from a major international Thomistic conference. Were you able to share a distinctive African perspective?
4. Can you tell us about higher education in South Africa?
5. How fares the Catholic Church in South Africa? Is there a synod in progress?
6. How would you compare the Catholics of South Africa with the Catholics of Nigeria?
7. Is the Dutch Reformed tradition still playing an active role in your country? Are its representatives open to a Catholic and Reformed dialogue?
8. Political corruption, it seems, knows no borders. Can politically active Catholics challenge corruption in your country?
9. Does Thomism have distinctive resources to offer contemporary politics?
10. Where do you see yourself a decade from now?