The Paradoxical Structure of Existence

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Metaphysics
Cover of the book The Paradoxical Structure of Existence by Frederick D. Wilhelmsen, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Frederick D. Wilhelmsen ISBN: 9781351477697
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 5, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Frederick D. Wilhelmsen
ISBN: 9781351477697
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 5, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

For metaphysicians who have imbibed the sober and inebriating teachings of Thomas Aquinas, existence is an act, the act which makes all things actually to be. As the act of existence makes things to be, essence makes them to be what they are. Essence and the act of existence, in other words, are really distinct yet together they compose each of the things that are.Such an understanding involves a number of paradoxes, and Frederick D. Wilhelmsen's articulation of them reveals his philosophical genius. These paradoxes include the fact that the act of existence does not exist, that it can be thought but not conceived by the mind, and that truths about God can be known while He himself remains absolutely unknown. Wilhelmsen argues the notion that the Christian faith and philosophical reason harmonize while remaining completely distinct from each other.Writing in a captivating style, Wilhelmsen begins with a discussion of the development, strengths, and limitations of the ancient Greek philosophical accounts of being. Following that, he develops such key topics as the problem of existence, St. Thomas Aquinas' understanding of being, critical analyses of Hegel's and Heidegger's doctrines of being, existence as "towards God," and a metaphysical approach to the human person. The final two chapters develop the sense in which metaphysical thinking is and is not shaped by historical and social factors.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

For metaphysicians who have imbibed the sober and inebriating teachings of Thomas Aquinas, existence is an act, the act which makes all things actually to be. As the act of existence makes things to be, essence makes them to be what they are. Essence and the act of existence, in other words, are really distinct yet together they compose each of the things that are.Such an understanding involves a number of paradoxes, and Frederick D. Wilhelmsen's articulation of them reveals his philosophical genius. These paradoxes include the fact that the act of existence does not exist, that it can be thought but not conceived by the mind, and that truths about God can be known while He himself remains absolutely unknown. Wilhelmsen argues the notion that the Christian faith and philosophical reason harmonize while remaining completely distinct from each other.Writing in a captivating style, Wilhelmsen begins with a discussion of the development, strengths, and limitations of the ancient Greek philosophical accounts of being. Following that, he develops such key topics as the problem of existence, St. Thomas Aquinas' understanding of being, critical analyses of Hegel's and Heidegger's doctrines of being, existence as "towards God," and a metaphysical approach to the human person. The final two chapters develop the sense in which metaphysical thinking is and is not shaped by historical and social factors.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Regional Connection under the Belt and Road Initiative by Frederick D. Wilhelmsen
Cover of the book China's Low Birth Rate and the Development of Population by Frederick D. Wilhelmsen
Cover of the book Coaching with Meaning and Spirituality by Frederick D. Wilhelmsen
Cover of the book Kuwait by Frederick D. Wilhelmsen
Cover of the book Data Analytic Techniques for Dynamical Systems by Frederick D. Wilhelmsen
Cover of the book Africa and Europe by Frederick D. Wilhelmsen
Cover of the book Sexual Diversity and Sexual Offending by Frederick D. Wilhelmsen
Cover of the book The Carolingian Renaissance and the Idea of Kingship (Routledge Revivals) by Frederick D. Wilhelmsen
Cover of the book Musical Knowledge by Frederick D. Wilhelmsen
Cover of the book Moral Exemplars in the Analects by Frederick D. Wilhelmsen
Cover of the book International Public Relations by Frederick D. Wilhelmsen
Cover of the book Aging Public Policy by Frederick D. Wilhelmsen
Cover of the book Powerful Occupational Therapists by Frederick D. Wilhelmsen
Cover of the book Freud, Alder, and Jung by Frederick D. Wilhelmsen
Cover of the book Strangers, Gods and Monsters by Frederick D. Wilhelmsen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy