An Introduction to Philosophy: Perennial Principles of the Classical Realist Tradition

By Daniel J. Sullivan

Book Overview

AN INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY by Daniel J. Sullivan is intended for the general reader as well as for the student. Its primary purpose is to present the elements of philosophy with simplicity and clarity in order to arouse that sense of wonder which Aristotle says is the beginning of the love of wisdom.

This well-structured overview begins with an historical study of philosophy, tracing the evolution of philosophical problems from their simplest origins, and continues with an analysis of the more concrete problems about man himself. The more abstract problems of man and his relation to the world around him make up the final study of this book.

Sullivan works in the great classical, realist tradition of Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, and their modern-day inheritors, exposing the perennially valid and vital principles of philosophy and emphasizing the profound moral and social implications of these principles. He respects the distinction between natural and revealed wisdom, but does not hesitate to point out how the conclusions of philosophy are complemented by the truths of revelation.

AN INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY clearly demonstrates that philosophy is a good deal more than a classroom exercise.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0895554690
• ISBN13: 9780895554697
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: Tan Books
• Length: 312 Pages
• Weight: 0.91 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A Fast Paced Introduction to Realist Philosophy

We often read about essences, substances, virtues or natural law, but yet we may only have a hazy notion of what they actually mean. How much do you know about Plato, Aristotle or Thomas Aquinas? If you have read their works then this book will be too basic for you, but for interested beginners, welcome to the world of realist philosophy! This book first published in 1957 has been reprinted by Tan books as an attractive paperback with a Catholic audience in mind. It is made up of 29 short chapters and a cracking booklist - featuring all the famous names of the day - Maritain, Gilson and Adler amongst others. The book is divided into 5 main parts 1. A Survey of Greek Philosophy 2. Anthropology - The study of man and Epistemology - The study of knowing 3. The good life, moral and social philosophy 4. The Aristotelian philosophy of nature (the shortest section!) 5. Ontology - the study of being It successfully covers the realist ground rules; neither sense nor intellect knows but man through both (p.70), concepts are a means by which we know (p.74), the first step in knowing is a simple receiving (p.81), man has free choice (p.96), man is not only his soul (p.111), body as matter and form (p.189) and permanence beneath the tides of change (p.251). The book can be read from cover to cover, but I strongly recommend that Chapter 27 (on the divisions of being) be read first and revisited throughout the book in order to gain a better understanding of the realist keystone. Overall, I think this book serves as a good *second* book to read in this area, but I think readers should first consult at least one of the further reading below in order to ignite their realist passion. To quote Gilson: "The first step on the path to realism is to realise that one has always been a realist; the second is to recognize that, however much one tries to think differently, one will never succeed; the third is to note that those who claim that they think differently, think as realists as soon as they forget to act a part. If they ask themselves why, their conversion is almost complete." Further Reading: The Unity of Philosophical Experience by Etienne Gilson Means to Message: A Treatise on Truth by Stanley L. Jaki Ten Philosophical Mistakes by Mortimer Adler The Collected Works of G.K. Chesterton, Volume 2 : The Everlasting Man, St. Francis of Assisi, St Thomas Aquinas

Outstandingly excellent!!!

I strongly disagree with the negative review. This is the best introduction to philosophy there is. The great Professor Sullivan of Fordham produced a masterful summary of the Aristotelian-Thomistic system which manages to touch on virtually every important issue in philosophy while remaining highly readable and accessible to beginners. Although published in 1956, the book remains fresh, lively, and authoritative. It is becoming increasingly hard to find an introductory philosophy textbook which shows sympathy for religious belief. Sullivan goes well beyond that; in the spirit of genuine philosophy, he builds a majestic synthesis of human thought which culminates in the view of the whole of reality in light of a single principle--Uncreated Being. Along the way are fascinating treatments of human nature and human knowing, the passions, natural law ethics, the problem of personal and political freedom, and on and on. If you compare this book with Jacques Maritain's introductory philosophy text you will see that Sullivan has followed Maritain's presentation closely, but made it more easily understandable. If you are a person of faith in search of understanding, buy this book, you will love it!!

Review from the Publisher

There are three ways of knowing truth: Revelation, Experience, and Abstraction - reasoning from the first two. This is called "Philosophy". Over the centuries, as the expression of Dogma developed, so too did Philosophy, creating where necessary the proper language to express the Church's teaching. False philosophy held by Catholics inevitably results in heresy. In this clear and easy to follow book, the main outlines of the philosophy held by orthodox theologians down through the centuries is made accessible to the average reader. Especially useful for saving the faith and reason of college students confronted by strange philosophical ideas.