Philip was intrigued by the profound concept of the Beatific Vision, which revolves around the question of how the blessed experience the presence of God after death. He pondered whether souls are granted immediate access to see God upon entering Heaven or if they must wait until the Day of Judgment for this revelation. This inquiry reflects a deep theological concern regarding the nature of divine experience in the afterlife.
His fascination with this topic highlights the complexities of spiritual beliefs and the varying interpretations of what awaits individuals after they die. The discourse on the immediacy of divine encounter versus a deferred vision underscores the broader philosophical and religious discussions that occupied minds during the 14th century, a tumultuous period as captured by Barbara W. Tuchman in her book.