Introduction To Philosphy

Introduction
Ralph McInerny
Preface

Author’s Introduction

The Nature Of Philosophy

Philosophic Thought Before Philosophy In The Strict Sense

Pre-Socratic Philosophers

Sophists And Socrates

Plato And Aristotle

Definition Of Philosophy

Philosophy And The Special Sciences

Philosophy And Theology

Philosophy And Common Sense

The Classification Of Philosophy

Main Divisions Of Philosophy

Logic

Philosophy Of Mathematics And The Philosophy Of Nature

Criticism (Epistemology)

Ontology: Essence

Ontology: Substance And Accident

Ontology: Act And Potentiality

Theodicy

The Philosopy Of Art; Ethics

Additional Info
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