A Preface To Metaphysics: Seven Lectures On Being

Description

After a very important Introductory Lesson on the development of Thomism, there are three lessons devoted to the special subject-matter of Metaphysics – being as such. In the first of these, being as such is distinguished from being as it is grasped by common sense, being as it is studied by the Natural Sciences, and being as studied by Logic. In the second, being as such, the object of Metaphysics, is studied in itself, the parts played by rational analysis and intuitive perception are distinguished, and the glory of this intuition is majestically hymned. The third considers the Analogy of Being, Essence and Existence, the Transcendentals, Being as dynamic, Motion, and Visualisation. On Metaphysical truth and Metaphysical method these chapters are of quite capital importance. Let no one call himself a Maritainian who has not carefully meditated them. First Lecture INTRODUCTORY............................................................................................................. 3 Second Lecture COUNTERFEIT METAPHYSICAL COIN..................................................................... 12 Third Lecture THE TRUE SUBJECT OF METAPHYSICS................................................................... 26 Fourth Lecture CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT BEING AS SUCH .......................................................... 36 Fifth Lecture THE PRINCIPLES OF IDENTITY, SUFFICIENT REASON AND FINALITY........... 51 Sixth Lecture THE PRINCIPLE OF FINALITY (SECOND ASPECT) ................................................ 61 Seventh Lecture THE PRINCIPLE OF CAUSALITY. CHANCE ............................................................. 72