[wideawake]

And this is the Scriptural seat of the Catholic doctrine of right reason: that from examining the things that have been made (i.e. a posteriori deduction from creation) His invisible nature can be perceived.

St. Paul doesn't seem to be talking about solely a priori here, but rational discovery of natural law.

[lockeliberty]

And this is the Scriptural seat of the Catholic doctrine of right reason: that from examining the things that have been made (i.e. a posteriori deduction from creation) His invisible nature can be perceived. St. Paul doesn't seem to be talking about solely a priori here, but rational discovery of natural law.

I would agree that throughout history those without scripture developed a posteriori deductions from creation. But, also keep in mind that Israel was located in the middle of civilization (Golden Crescent) and because of trade a lot of a posteriori knowledge of the Jewish scripture was extended beyond Israel. Intially, however, we all are born with a conscience which is certainly a priori knowledge. It's the rejection of that a priori knowledge that leads to the worst sorts of evils.

God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper.