The Way Toward Wisdom
An Interdisciplinary and Intercultural Introduction to Metaphysics
By Benedict M. Ashley O.P. | Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press
About the book
Once thought to be the task of metaphysics, the synthesis of knowledge has been discounted by many philosophers today. Benedict Ashley, a leading Thomistic scholar, argues that it remains a valid and intellectually fruitful pursuit by situating metaphysics as an endeavor that must cross disciplinary and cultural boundaries.
Working from a realist Thomistic epistemology, Ashley asserts that we must begin our search for wisdom in the natural sciences; only then, he believes, can we ensure that our claims about immaterial and invisible things are rooted in reliable experience of the material. Any attempt to share wisdom, he insists, must derive from a context that is both interdisciplinary and intercultural.
Ashley offers an ambitious analysis and synthesis of major historical contributions to the unification of knowledge, including non-Western traditions. Beginning with the question \"Metaphysics: Nonsense or Wisdom?\" Ashley moves from a critical examination of the foundations of modern science to quantum physics and the Big Bang; from Aristotle's theory of being and change, through Aquinas's five ways, to a critical analysis of modern and postmodern thought. Ashley is able to interweave the approaches of the great philosophers by demonstrating their contributions to philosophical thought in a concrete, specific manner. In the process, he accounts for a contemporary culture overwhelmed by the fragmentation of data and thirsting for an utterly transcendent yet personal God. The capstone of a remarkable career, The Way Toward Wisdom will be welcomed by students in philosophy and theology.
Editions of The Way Toward Wisdom
- Hardcover
- ISBN 2006013083
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780268020286
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780268020354
- EBook
- ISBN 9780268074692
- EBook
- ISBN 9780268045654
Read an Excerpt
Once thought to be the task of metaphysics, the synthesis of knowledge has been discounted by many philosophers today. Benedict Ashley, a leading Thomistic scholar, argues that it remains a valid and intellectually fruitful pursuit by situating metaphysics as an endeavor that must cross disciplinary and cultural boundaries.
Working from a realist Thomistic epistemology, Ashley asserts that we must begin our search for wisdom in the natural sciences; only then, he believes, can we ensure that our claims about immaterial and invisible things are rooted in reliable experience of the material. Any attempt to share wisdom, he insists, must derive from a context that is both interdisciplinary and intercultural.
Ashley offers an ambitious analysis and synthesis of major historical contributions to the unification of knowledge, including non-Western traditions. Beginning with the question \"Metaphysics: Nonsense or Wisdom?\" Ashley moves from a critical examination of the foundations of modern science to quantum physics and the Big Bang; from Aristotle's theory of being and change, through Aquinas's five ways, to a critical analysis of modern and postmodern thought. Ashley is able to interweave the approaches of the great philosophers by demonstrating their contributions to philosophical thought in a concrete, specific manner. In the process, he accounts for a contemporary culture overwhelmed by the fragmentation of data and thirsting for an utterly transcendent yet personal God. The capstone of a remarkable career, The Way Toward Wisdom will be welcomed by students in philosophy and theology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Way Toward Wisdom about?
Once thought to be the task of metaphysics, the synthesis of knowledge has been discounted by many philosophers today. Benedict Ashley, a leading Thomistic scholar, argues that it remains a valid and intellectually fruitful pursuit by situating metaphysics as an endeavor that must cross disciplinary and cultural boundaries.
Working from a realist Thomistic epistemology, Ashley asserts that we must begin our search for wisdom in the natural sciences; only then, he believes, can we ensure that our claims about immaterial and invisible things are rooted in reliable experience of the material. Any attempt to share wisdom, he insists, must derive from a context that is both interdisciplinary and intercultural.
Ashley offers an ambitious analysis and synthesis of major historical contributions to the unification of knowledge, including non-Western traditions. Beginning with the question \"Metaphysics: Nonsense or Wisdom?\" Ashley moves from a critical examination of the foundations of modern science to quantum physics and the Big Bang; from Aristotle's theory of being and change, through Aquinas's five ways, to a critical analysis of modern and postmodern thought. Ashley is able to interweave the approaches of the great philosophers by demonstrating their contributions to philosophical thought in a concrete, specific manner. In the process, he accounts for a contemporary culture overwhelmed by the fragmentation of data and thirsting for an utterly transcendent yet personal God. The capstone of a remarkable career, The Way Toward Wisdom will be welcomed by students in philosophy and theology.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Way Toward Wisdom?
Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy > Topics in philosophy > Philosophy: metaphysics and ontology
Where can I read a sample of The Way Toward Wisdom?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/2006013083
How long is The Way Toward Wisdom and how many pages does it have?
The Way Toward Wisdom has 640 page(s)
Is The Way Toward Wisdom part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Thomistic Studies
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Way Toward Wisdom?
Benedict M. Ashley O.P.
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Way Toward Wisdom is available as hardcover(ISBN 2006013083) and hardcover(ISBN 9780268020286) and paperback(ISBN 9780268020354) and ebook(ISBN 9780268074692) and ebook(ISBN 9780268045654)
Where can I buy The Way Toward Wisdom online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Way Toward Wisdom from below
Where can I buy The Way Toward Wisdom?