The way toward wisdom : an interdisciplinary and intercultural introduction to metaphysics / Benedict M. Ashley.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ashley, Benedict M.

Series:

Thomistic studies

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Metaphysics.

Physical Description:

xxi, 617 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

Notre Dame, Ind. : University of Notre Dame Press, [2006]

Summary:

Throughout this book, Benedict Ashley, O.P., argues that metaphysics is truly the "way toward wisdom." It permits us to understand how and why we know, think, and believe. As he states in chapter 1, "Persons can be judged really 'wise' only if, through reflection, they have become conscious not simply of what their worldview is but also of the bases on which it rests. Nor is anyone truly wise who is unable to enter into dialogue with those of different worldviews. The wise can dialogue fruitfully, because they have achieved a certain warranted confidence in what they think and why they think it, and can formulate this for others to consider. Moreover, it is important to the wise that their views be tested by exposure to other views and be open to the clarification, enrichment, or even correction that such exposure may bring. Finally, the truly wise know how important it is for their own sharing in the truth to share it with others."

The Way toward Wisdom is intended as an introduction for students of various levels. Ashley utilizes the tools of philosophy to enable cross-cultural dialogue, thereby enriching our understanding of the human experience.

Contents:

The problem of the unification of knowledge

The historical varieties of "metaphysics" in Western culture

Natural science is epistemologically first

The culminating foundational theorem of natural science

The existence and essence of metascience

Unity, plurality, and efficient causality

Unity and plurality in other sciences

Truth and formal causality

Truth in the special sciences

Goodness and final causality

Finality in the special sciences

The absolute and/or nature

The one creating first cause

The way toward wisdom.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 530-576) and index.

ISBN:

0268020280

OCLC:

67728109

Publisher Number:

9780268020286