An Introduction to Philosophy / Edition 1

by Jacques Maritain, E. I. Watkin, Ralph McInerny

Overview

Jacques Maritain's An Introduction to Philosophy was first published in 1931. Since then, this book has stood the test of time as a clear guide to what philosophy is and how to philosophize. Inspired by the Thomistic Revival called for by Leo XIII, Maritain relies heavily on Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas to shape a philosophy that, far from sectarian theology in disguise, is driven by reason and engages the modern world. Re-released as part of the Sheed & Ward Classic series, An Introduction to Philosophy is sure to enliven the minds of students and general readers for years to come.

From the new introduction by Ralph McInerny:
You are about to read a magnificent introduction not only to a kind of philosophy but to philosophizing itself. Jacques Maritain was a relatively young man when he wrote this book, but his effort is one that attracts any philosopher more and more as he grows older. However odd and unusual what he says becomes, the philosopher yearns to show how even the most abstruse claims can be put into relation with what the reader already knows. That, in its essence, is what teaching is. In this book, the reader will find a wise and certain guide into philosophizing as such. And, in the end, he will find that what he reads is really only a refinement and development of what he and everybody else already knew.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742550537
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	11/18/2005
Series:	A Sheed & Ward Classic
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	910,038
Product dimensions:	5.59(w) x 8.66(h) x 0.67(d)

About the Author

Jacques Maritain was one of the most prolific Catholic philosophers of the 20th century.

Table of Contents

1 Introduction 2 Preface 3 Author's Introduction Part 4 The Nature of Philosophy Chapter 5 Philosophic Thought Before Philosophy in the Strict Sense Chapter 6 Pre-Socratic Philosophers Chapter 7 Sophists and Socrates Chapter 8 Plato and Aristotle Chapter 9 Definition of Philosophy Chapter 10 Philosophy and the Special Sciences Chapter 11 Philosophy and Theology Chapter 12 Philosophy and Common Sense Part 13 The Classification of Philosophy Chapter 14 Main Divisions of Philosophy Chapter 15 Logic Chapter 16 Philosophy of Mathematics and the Philosophy of Nature Chapter 17 Criticism (Epistemology) Chapter 18 Ontology: Essence Chapter 19 Ontology: Substance and Accident Chapter 20 Ontology: Act and Potentiality Chapter 21 Theodicy Chapter 22 The Philosopy of Art; Ethics