1Catholic Profiles: 881

FR. D. J. B. HAWKINS, D.D., Ph,!).
IT has been said that those who try to awaken interest in mediaeval philosophy and its relevance to modern problems are often regarded as so many Don Quixotes proclaiming the beauty of Dulcinea del Toboso to a world that can see only an ugly hag being snatched from the grave. In recent years Dr. Hawkins has done much to break down prejudices and superficial judgments of this kind. The width and depth of his knowledge and his alert critical insight have compelled admiration. He is certainly among those who have shown marked ability in tracing the pedigree of idea-forces in the history of Western philosophy.
In earlier years at the Venerable English College, Rome, the dry humour of his conversation, his
shrewd estimates of characters and capacities; and hatred of the trivial
were the pride of his fellow students. They arc among the characteristics of the philosophical essays and books for which he has contrived to find
opportunity even though engaged in parochial duties. Mr. Oliver Ed wards, an old college friend of Dr. Samuel Johnson, is reported by Boswell as having said that he also had tried to be a philosopher, but in some mysterious way cheerfulness was always breaking in. With Dr. Hawkins cheerfulness can be the predominant mood. He is no stale and mouldy
mandarin possessed of an ever-hardening framework of bloodless con cepts. It would, for example, be hard to rival him in knowledge and Witty appreciation of the metaphysics of Alice in Wonderland and the
genius of Lewis Carroll.
The true greatness of a philosopher, as M. Gilson has pointed out, is always proportionate to his intellectual honesty. This is why Dr. Hawkins has been able to write so well and inspire such confidence in his readers and hearers.
A stoical distaste for the demonstrative accounts for a shy reserve in company. This, however, is converted into an appearance of conversational paralysis if nonsense is being talked. Woe betide the sophist who expects to shine in his presence I He will draw down upon himself the sharpest intellectual scrutiny fortified by a speed of thought and
astringent humour which can be devastating. Nothing slipshod or illexpressed will be allowed to pass. If justice demands, there may be no loophole allowed for face-saving.
DR. Hawkins books or articles cannot be read in a hurry. We refer principally to Causality and Implication. The Criticism of Experience, and A Sketch of Mediaeval Philosophy. Their style is concise. and arguments are stated in the fewest possible words. There is no padding or superfluity whatsoever. But careful study will he amply repaid. The assiduous reader will come to be proud that the Church has a representative who can so modestly yet victoriously hold his own with the best thinkers of other schools in philosophical discussion. Philosophers are popularly imagined as very unpractical people, too much given to wandering in the abstract. They dwell on the high towers of speculation where there is usually a great deal of wind. It is worth saying that Dr. Hawkins is not a suitable target for such criticism. His services have been required and employed in parochial and diocesan
tasks ever since he was ordained to the priesthood in 1930. In their performance he has shown an ability equal to that possessed in the philosophical studies so congenial to him and through which he now exerts a growing influence.
Mention has been made of the fate in store for the sophist or intellectual pretender. It should be added that this is balanced by generous allowance for those who earnestly desire tO learn, but are held back by difficulties whether subjective or objective. On their behalf no trouble will prove too great in providing the means of success. And these will be not so much imposed from without, as produced from within by Socratic guidance and stimulation of personal effort. His superior knowledge is no menace, but the very best guarantee of fair treatment for the hapless examinee who has done his best but may need help in displaying it.
ANOTEWORTHY characteristic of Dr. Hawkins is the ability to use language which contemporary non-scholastic thinkers can understand. Time and again he has shown not merely this ability but also (Continued on page 5)