Thomistic Philosophy in the Face of Evolutionary Fact

Thomistic Philosophy in the Face of Evolutionary Fact

Author: Juan Eduardo Carreño Pavez

Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand

Published: 2024-06-07

Total Pages: 766

ISBN-13: 386838295X

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The purpose of this book is to integrate the fact of biological evolution (which, as such, should not be confused with the evolutionary theories and ideologies supposedly based on that fact) with the principles and contents of Thomistic philosophy. After identifying the main difficulties involved in this endeavor—and how they have been addressed by other authors within the Thomistic tradition—we present our own thesis. We begin by arguing that the diversity of species and varieties of corporeal living beings is consistent with Aquinas’ thought. Next, we distinguish between two forms of evolution, namely, intraspecific and transspecific; following the central tenets of Aquinas’ philosophy, the ontological significance and causalities involved in both types of evolution are analyzed. We complete this exposition by offering a general overview of evolutionary history in light of the criteria presented, with emphasis on anthropogenesis. Juan Eduardo Carreño Pavez (1976) holds a PhD in Medical Sciences and a PhD in Philosophy. After completing a postdoc at the Center for Medieval Philosophy, Georgetown University, he returned to the University of los Andes, Chile, where he has a position as Associate Professor. His research has focused on Thomas Aquinas’ thought, mediaeval philosophy, and the dialogue between theology, philosophy and science. He is the author of several articles and monographs, including Vivere viventibus est esse: la vida como perfección del ser en la obra de Tomás de Aquino (Eunsa, 2020), and Una reconsideración del estatus de la mente animal y humana (Ril Editores, 2024).


Book Synopsis Thomistic Philosophy in the Face of Evolutionary Fact by : Juan Eduardo Carreño Pavez

Download or read book Thomistic Philosophy in the Face of Evolutionary Fact written by Juan Eduardo Carreño Pavez and published by BoD – Books on Demand. This book was released on 2024-06-07 with total page 766 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The purpose of this book is to integrate the fact of biological evolution (which, as such, should not be confused with the evolutionary theories and ideologies supposedly based on that fact) with the principles and contents of Thomistic philosophy. After identifying the main difficulties involved in this endeavor—and how they have been addressed by other authors within the Thomistic tradition—we present our own thesis. We begin by arguing that the diversity of species and varieties of corporeal living beings is consistent with Aquinas’ thought. Next, we distinguish between two forms of evolution, namely, intraspecific and transspecific; following the central tenets of Aquinas’ philosophy, the ontological significance and causalities involved in both types of evolution are analyzed. We complete this exposition by offering a general overview of evolutionary history in light of the criteria presented, with emphasis on anthropogenesis. Juan Eduardo Carreño Pavez (1976) holds a PhD in Medical Sciences and a PhD in Philosophy. After completing a postdoc at the Center for Medieval Philosophy, Georgetown University, he returned to the University of los Andes, Chile, where he has a position as Associate Professor. His research has focused on Thomas Aquinas’ thought, mediaeval philosophy, and the dialogue between theology, philosophy and science. He is the author of several articles and monographs, including Vivere viventibus est esse: la vida como perfección del ser en la obra de Tomás de Aquino (Eunsa, 2020), and Una reconsideración del estatus de la mente animal y humana (Ril Editores, 2024).

Knowledge and Evolution

Knowledge and Evolution

Author: Michael Chaberek

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2021-08-31

Total Pages: 306

ISBN-13: 1666702072

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The question of the origins of the universe is probably one of the most dwelled upon and argued about over the last couple of centuries. Ever since Charles Darwin proposed his theory, evolutionists and creationists want to settle the issue on their sides. But science did not stop at Darwin’s time. It progressed enormously, creating significant problems for Darwinian explanations. Is there a better answer than the dominant neo-Darwinian synthesis? Even more fundamental is the question of whether natural science, by itself, can explain the origins of nature. What are the limits of science and where should we turn to philosophy and theology? How do these three domains—science, philosophy, and theology—relate when addressing the question of origins? Theistic evolution, the idea of God using evolution as a means of creating the universe, faces problems from both classic Christian theology as well as classic metaphysics. Today things do not look good for the dominant views. The time has come to propose a new faith and science synthesis, one that offers a serious approach to the Bible on the one hand and an honest look at biological findings on the other. This book sets a path to such a new synthesis.


Book Synopsis Knowledge and Evolution by : Michael Chaberek

Download or read book Knowledge and Evolution written by Michael Chaberek and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2021-08-31 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The question of the origins of the universe is probably one of the most dwelled upon and argued about over the last couple of centuries. Ever since Charles Darwin proposed his theory, evolutionists and creationists want to settle the issue on their sides. But science did not stop at Darwin’s time. It progressed enormously, creating significant problems for Darwinian explanations. Is there a better answer than the dominant neo-Darwinian synthesis? Even more fundamental is the question of whether natural science, by itself, can explain the origins of nature. What are the limits of science and where should we turn to philosophy and theology? How do these three domains—science, philosophy, and theology—relate when addressing the question of origins? Theistic evolution, the idea of God using evolution as a means of creating the universe, faces problems from both classic Christian theology as well as classic metaphysics. Today things do not look good for the dominant views. The time has come to propose a new faith and science synthesis, one that offers a serious approach to the Bible on the one hand and an honest look at biological findings on the other. This book sets a path to such a new synthesis.

Aquinas and Evolution

Aquinas and Evolution

Author: Michael Chaberek

Publisher:

Published: 2019-05-07

Total Pages: 260

ISBN-13: 9780991988068

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"Father Michael Chaberek amply demonstrates that theistic evolution is inescapably at odds with fundamental elements of Thomas' thought" (Robert Larmer, PhD. University of New Brunswick). "Father Michael Chaberek convincingly shows that if Saint Thomas Aquinas himself were to enter the contemporary debate on human origins, he would reject theistic evolutionism" (David Arias, PhD. Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary)."Father Michael Chaberek's book is surely the most precise treatment of the relationship between the thought of Saint Thomas and Darwinian evolution ever written" (Jay W. Richards, PhD. Catholic University of America). "Fr. Chaberek has finally given the issue the book-length treatment it deserves, and things don't look good for Thomistic evolutionists. His arguments are fresh and challenging. All further discussion will need to take account of this important work" (Logan Gage, PhD. Franciscan University of Steubenville). "Father Michael Chaberek's book is worth reading because it teaches honest and straightforward thinking and it shows readers how to respond to the theistic evolutionists who commonly impose their views in Christian circles" (Rev. Prof. Andrzej Maryniarczyk S.D.B., Catholic University of Lublin, Poland).


Book Synopsis Aquinas and Evolution by : Michael Chaberek

Download or read book Aquinas and Evolution written by Michael Chaberek and published by . This book was released on 2019-05-07 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Father Michael Chaberek amply demonstrates that theistic evolution is inescapably at odds with fundamental elements of Thomas' thought" (Robert Larmer, PhD. University of New Brunswick). "Father Michael Chaberek convincingly shows that if Saint Thomas Aquinas himself were to enter the contemporary debate on human origins, he would reject theistic evolutionism" (David Arias, PhD. Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary)."Father Michael Chaberek's book is surely the most precise treatment of the relationship between the thought of Saint Thomas and Darwinian evolution ever written" (Jay W. Richards, PhD. Catholic University of America). "Fr. Chaberek has finally given the issue the book-length treatment it deserves, and things don't look good for Thomistic evolutionists. His arguments are fresh and challenging. All further discussion will need to take account of this important work" (Logan Gage, PhD. Franciscan University of Steubenville). "Father Michael Chaberek's book is worth reading because it teaches honest and straightforward thinking and it shows readers how to respond to the theistic evolutionists who commonly impose their views in Christian circles" (Rev. Prof. Andrzej Maryniarczyk S.D.B., Catholic University of Lublin, Poland).

The Metaphysics of Evolution

The Metaphysics of Evolution

Author: Chad Ripperger

Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand

Published: 2012-08

Total Pages: 74

ISBN-13: 3848216256

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In his encyclical Humani Generis, Pope Pius XII stressed the importance of preserving the traditional Catholic approach to philosophy. In his work The Metaphysics of Evolution, Fr. Chad Ripperger demonstrates that the theory of evolution is incompatible with the metaphysics of the Catholic tradition.


Book Synopsis The Metaphysics of Evolution by : Chad Ripperger

Download or read book The Metaphysics of Evolution written by Chad Ripperger and published by BoD – Books on Demand. This book was released on 2012-08 with total page 74 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In his encyclical Humani Generis, Pope Pius XII stressed the importance of preserving the traditional Catholic approach to philosophy. In his work The Metaphysics of Evolution, Fr. Chad Ripperger demonstrates that the theory of evolution is incompatible with the metaphysics of the Catholic tradition.

Theistic Evolution

Theistic Evolution

Author: Mariusz Tabaczek

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2023-11-02

Total Pages: 335

ISBN-13: 1009367013

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Deeply rooted in the classical tradition, this book develops a contemporary, re-imagined proposal of an Aristotelian-Thomistic perspective on theistic evolution.


Book Synopsis Theistic Evolution by : Mariusz Tabaczek

Download or read book Theistic Evolution written by Mariusz Tabaczek and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2023-11-02 with total page 335 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Deeply rooted in the classical tradition, this book develops a contemporary, re-imagined proposal of an Aristotelian-Thomistic perspective on theistic evolution.

From Aristotle to Darwin and Back Again

From Aristotle to Darwin and Back Again

Author: Etienne Gilson

Publisher: Ignatius Press

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 255

ISBN-13: 1586171690

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Darwin's theory of evolution remains controversial, even though most scientists, philosophers, and even theologians accept it, in some form, as an explanation for the variety of organisms. The controversy erupts when the theory is used to try to explain everything, including every aspect of human life, and to deny the role of a Creator or a purpose to life. The overreaching of many scientists into matters beyond the self-imposed limits of scientific method is perhaps explained in part by the loss of two important ideas in modern thinking--final causality or purpose, and formal causality. Scientists understandably bracket the idea out of their scientific thinking because they seek explanations on the level of material and efficient causes only. Yet many of them wrongly conclude from their selective study of the world that final and formal causes do not exist at all and that they have no place in the rational study of life. Likewise, many erroneously assume that philosophy cannot draw upon scientific findings, in light of final and formal causality, to better understand the world and man. The great philosopher and historian of philosophy, Etienne Gilson, sets out to show that final causality or purposiveness and formal causality are principles for those who think hard and carefully about the world, including the world of biology. Gilson insists that a completely rational understanding of organisms and biological systems requires the philosophical notion of teleology, the idea that certain kinds of things exist and have ends or purposes the fulfillment of which are linked to their natures--in other words, formal and final causes. His approach relies on philosophical reflection on the facts of science, not upon theology or an appeal to religious authorities such as the Church or the Bible.


Book Synopsis From Aristotle to Darwin and Back Again by : Etienne Gilson

Download or read book From Aristotle to Darwin and Back Again written by Etienne Gilson and published by Ignatius Press. This book was released on 2009 with total page 255 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Darwin's theory of evolution remains controversial, even though most scientists, philosophers, and even theologians accept it, in some form, as an explanation for the variety of organisms. The controversy erupts when the theory is used to try to explain everything, including every aspect of human life, and to deny the role of a Creator or a purpose to life. The overreaching of many scientists into matters beyond the self-imposed limits of scientific method is perhaps explained in part by the loss of two important ideas in modern thinking--final causality or purpose, and formal causality. Scientists understandably bracket the idea out of their scientific thinking because they seek explanations on the level of material and efficient causes only. Yet many of them wrongly conclude from their selective study of the world that final and formal causes do not exist at all and that they have no place in the rational study of life. Likewise, many erroneously assume that philosophy cannot draw upon scientific findings, in light of final and formal causality, to better understand the world and man. The great philosopher and historian of philosophy, Etienne Gilson, sets out to show that final causality or purposiveness and formal causality are principles for those who think hard and carefully about the world, including the world of biology. Gilson insists that a completely rational understanding of organisms and biological systems requires the philosophical notion of teleology, the idea that certain kinds of things exist and have ends or purposes the fulfillment of which are linked to their natures--in other words, formal and final causes. His approach relies on philosophical reflection on the facts of science, not upon theology or an appeal to religious authorities such as the Church or the Bible.

Evolution, Cognition, and Realism

Evolution, Cognition, and Realism

Author: Nicholas Rescher

Publisher: University Press of America

Published: 1990

Total Pages: 148

ISBN-13: 9780819177551

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This collection of essays originated from an interdisciplinary conference on 'Evolutionary Epistemology' held in Pittsburgh in December of 1988 under the sponsorship of the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Philosophy of Science. Contents: Epistemological Roles for Selection Theory, by Donald T. Campbell; Evolutionary Models of Science, by Ronald N. Giere; Should Epistemologists Take Darwin Seriously? by Michael Bradie; Natural Selection, Justification, and Inference to the Best Explanation, by Alan H. Goldman; Interspecific Competition, Evolutionary Epistemology, and Ecology, by Kristin Shrader-Frechette; Toward Making Evolutionary Epistemology into a Truly Naturalized Epistemology, by William Bechtel; Confessions of a Creationist, by C. Kenneth Waters. Co-published with the Center for Philosophy of Science.


Book Synopsis Evolution, Cognition, and Realism by : Nicholas Rescher

Download or read book Evolution, Cognition, and Realism written by Nicholas Rescher and published by University Press of America. This book was released on 1990 with total page 148 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This collection of essays originated from an interdisciplinary conference on 'Evolutionary Epistemology' held in Pittsburgh in December of 1988 under the sponsorship of the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Philosophy of Science. Contents: Epistemological Roles for Selection Theory, by Donald T. Campbell; Evolutionary Models of Science, by Ronald N. Giere; Should Epistemologists Take Darwin Seriously? by Michael Bradie; Natural Selection, Justification, and Inference to the Best Explanation, by Alan H. Goldman; Interspecific Competition, Evolutionary Epistemology, and Ecology, by Kristin Shrader-Frechette; Toward Making Evolutionary Epistemology into a Truly Naturalized Epistemology, by William Bechtel; Confessions of a Creationist, by C. Kenneth Waters. Co-published with the Center for Philosophy of Science.

The Evolution-Creation Struggle

The Evolution-Creation Struggle

Author: Michael RUSE

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Published: 2009-06-30

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 0674042972

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In his latest book, Ruse uncovers surprising similarities between evolutionist and creationist thinking. Exploring the underlying philosophical commitments of evolutionists, he reveals that those most hostile to religion are just as evangelical as their fundamentalist opponents. But more crucially, and reaching beyond the biblical issues at stake, he demonstrates that these two diametrically opposed ideologies have, since the Enlightenment, engaged in a struggle for the privilege of defining human origins, moral values, and the nature of reality.


Book Synopsis The Evolution-Creation Struggle by : Michael RUSE

Download or read book The Evolution-Creation Struggle written by Michael RUSE and published by Harvard University Press. This book was released on 2009-06-30 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In his latest book, Ruse uncovers surprising similarities between evolutionist and creationist thinking. Exploring the underlying philosophical commitments of evolutionists, he reveals that those most hostile to religion are just as evangelical as their fundamentalist opponents. But more crucially, and reaching beyond the biblical issues at stake, he demonstrates that these two diametrically opposed ideologies have, since the Enlightenment, engaged in a struggle for the privilege of defining human origins, moral values, and the nature of reality.

Modern Biology & Natural Theology

Modern Biology & Natural Theology

Author: Alan Olding

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2002-09-11

Total Pages: 205

ISBN-13: 1134943776

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By asking how well theological views of human nature stand up to the discoveries of modern science, Alan Olding re-opens the question of whether the "design" argument for the existence of God is fatally undermined. A distinctive feature of the work is its emphasis on the metaphysical implications of biology and how these at times conflict with other, more plausible metaphysical positions. Another is its close critical examination of the "design" argument and of the relation God has to the world he creates. "Modern Biology and Natural Theology" takes up issues currently of concern to many thinkers and will provide fascinating reading for anyone interested in philosophical problems, particularly the impact of Darwinism on natural theology.


Book Synopsis Modern Biology & Natural Theology by : Alan Olding

Download or read book Modern Biology & Natural Theology written by Alan Olding and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2002-09-11 with total page 205 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: By asking how well theological views of human nature stand up to the discoveries of modern science, Alan Olding re-opens the question of whether the "design" argument for the existence of God is fatally undermined. A distinctive feature of the work is its emphasis on the metaphysical implications of biology and how these at times conflict with other, more plausible metaphysical positions. Another is its close critical examination of the "design" argument and of the relation God has to the world he creates. "Modern Biology and Natural Theology" takes up issues currently of concern to many thinkers and will provide fascinating reading for anyone interested in philosophical problems, particularly the impact of Darwinism on natural theology.

The Earth Is Our Home

The Earth Is Our Home

Author: Nelson Rivera

Publisher: Andrews UK Limited

Published: 2016-11-14

Total Pages: 243

ISBN-13: 1845404874

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This book demonstrates that Mary Midgley's philosophy of evolution points the way towards considering the earth as our only true home, since we are products of this planet and its evolving and complex life along with every other organism. From the knowledge of ourselves as knowing animals with a biological as well as a cultural history, Midgley proposes the elaboration of an evolutionary epistemology that situates us firmly on the earth together with other creatures, while at the same time helping us to build knowledge of the world from the complexity of the human experience. I like to call this approach by a known theological analogy, a view "from below," that is, from the underside of the world, from the realms of nature and history. Such an approach does not begin by assuming conceptions of design or order in nature, a view that we term "from above," although it does not rule out the possibility of teleological or metaphysical constructions of reality in the long run. This "down-to-earth" approach I consider essential for any philosophy or theology that wants to take evolutionary theory seriously while committed to a proper and non-dismissive assessment of religious views.


Book Synopsis The Earth Is Our Home by : Nelson Rivera

Download or read book The Earth Is Our Home written by Nelson Rivera and published by Andrews UK Limited. This book was released on 2016-11-14 with total page 243 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book demonstrates that Mary Midgley's philosophy of evolution points the way towards considering the earth as our only true home, since we are products of this planet and its evolving and complex life along with every other organism. From the knowledge of ourselves as knowing animals with a biological as well as a cultural history, Midgley proposes the elaboration of an evolutionary epistemology that situates us firmly on the earth together with other creatures, while at the same time helping us to build knowledge of the world from the complexity of the human experience. I like to call this approach by a known theological analogy, a view "from below," that is, from the underside of the world, from the realms of nature and history. Such an approach does not begin by assuming conceptions of design or order in nature, a view that we term "from above," although it does not rule out the possibility of teleological or metaphysical constructions of reality in the long run. This "down-to-earth" approach I consider essential for any philosophy or theology that wants to take evolutionary theory seriously while committed to a proper and non-dismissive assessment of religious views.