Human Knowing: A Prelude to Metaphysics

by James W. Felt S.J.

Overview

Human Knowing is a clearly written, brief introduction that guides the reader through an exploration of sense perception, ordinary knowing, scientific knowing, and philosophic knowing. This journey culminates in a justification of philosophy as a genuine form of knowing and thus a natural prelude to metaphysics. Though Felt manages to avoid technical language, the development of his argument is a genuine exercise in philosophic thinking. The outcome is a contemporary expression of a position similar to that of Thomas Aquinas, significantly enriched by insights from Bergson, Whitehead, and phenomenology. This book is accessible, smart, and refreshing. Any interested general reader or student will profit from reading it.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780268028794
Publisher:	University of Notre Dame Press
Publication date:	09/30/2005
Edition description:	1
Pages:	140
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.30(d)

About the Author

James W. Felt, S.J., is John Nobili Professor of Philosophy at Santa Clara University.

Editorial Reviews

This fine book is ideal for introductory courses in philosophy, and it is executed and backed up by careful, sophisticated philosophical analysis and insight.

W. Norris Clarke

A strong case for relational realism is presented with a carefully outlined argument and discussion of classic examples from many major philosophers, including Locke, Hume, Kant, Searle, Merleau-Ponty, Kuhn, Whitehead, and Aquinas. Numerous analogies from common experience and chapter review questions are provided (plus a dab of humor and poetry). Felt successfully proves with his relational realism that we are not, as some philosophers might call us, merely meat-robots.

Dialogue

. . . [T]his is an engaging work—bright, readable, and tightly argued. It should serve as a fine undergraduate introduction to epistemology.

The Review of Metaphysics

This fine book is ideal for introductory courses in philosophy, and it is executed and backed up by careful, sophisticated philosophical analysis and insight.” —W. Norris Clarke, S.J., Fordham University

“A strong case for relational realism is presented with a carefully outlined argument and discussion of classic examples from many major philosophers, including Locke, Hume, Kant, Searle, Merleau-Ponty, Kuhn, Whitehead, and Aquinas. Numerous analogies from common experience and chapter review questions are provided (plus a dab of humor and poetry). Felt successfully proves with his relational realism that we are not, as some philosophers might call us, merely meat-robots.” —Dialogue

“. . . [T]his is an engaging work—bright, readable, and tightly argued. It should serve as a fine undergraduate introduction to epistemology.” —The Review of Metaphysics

From the Publisher