Faithful Reason: Essays Catholic and Philosophical

Summary

In Faithful Reason, the noted Catholic philosopher John Haldane explores various aspects of intellectual and practical life from a perspective inspired by Catholic thought and informed by his distinctive philosophical approach: 'Analytical Thomism'. Haldane's discussions of ethics, politics, education, art, social philosophy and other themes explain why Catholic thought is still relevant in today's world, and show how the legacy of Thomas Aquinas can benefit modern philosophy in its efforts to answer fundamental questions about humanity and its place within nature. Drawing on a Catholic philosophical tradition that is committed to concepts of the world's intrinsic intelligibility and the objectivity of truth, Faithful Reason's bold and insightful perspectives provide rich matter for debate, and food for further thought.

Table of Contents

Preface  Acknowledgements  Introduction: Analytical Thomism and Faithful Reason Section 1: Catholicism and Philosophy  1. Thomism and the Future of Catholic Philosophy  2. MacIntyre's Thomist Revival: What Next?  3. The Diversity of Philosophy and the Unity of Its Vocation: Some Philosophical Reflections on Fides et Ratio  Section 2: Faith and Reason  4. Critical Orthodoxy  5. Infallibility, Authority and Faith  6. Incarnational Anthropology  7. Examining the Assumption  Section 3: Ethics and Politics  8. Medieval and Renaissance Ethics  9. Natural Law and Ethical Pluralism  10. From Law to Virtue and Back Again: On Veritatis Splendor  11. Can a Catholic be a Liberal?  12. Religious Toleration  Section 4: Education and Spirituality  13. Chesterton's Philosophy of Education  14. Religion in Education: in Defence of a tradition  15. Catholic Education and Catholic Identity  16. The Need of Spirituality in Catholic Education  Section 5: Beauty and Contemplation  17. Medieval and Renaissance Aesthetics  18. Form: Meaning and Value: A History of the Philosophy of Architecture  19. Admiring the High Mountains: The Aesthetics of the Environment  20. De Consolatione Philosophiae  Index

Author(s) Bio

John Haldane is Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Centre for Ethics, Philosophy and Public Affairs at the University of St Andrews. His books include An Intelligent Person's Guide to Religion (2003), Atheism and Theism, second edition with J.J.C Smart (2003) and Modern Writings on Thomism (2003).

Reviews

'This splendid collection casts light  on a wide range of topics, illustrating how the legacy of St Thomas comes alive as it interacts with the tradition of analytical philosophy ...' - The Tablet

'This wide-ranging and intelligent collection includes essays written over the past 15 years or so, and all previously unpublished.' - Church Times

'Here we have a manner of thinking that is wholly in keeping with Catholic culture. The essays are both serious and a joy to read.' - Dr. Pravin Thevathasan

'The great majority of the essays in Faithful Reason are both lucid and accessible on the one hand and learned and stimulating on the other.' - The Pastoral Review

'Faithful Reason is a fine testimony to Haldane’s ability to write in an attractive style with clarity and confidence. The wide range of topics discussed exemplifies the philosopher’s vocation to let nothing escape his penetrating, intellectual gaze.' -  Faith

' ... you will be delighted by the intellectual breadth of the text. … This is a book that is set to last.' - Journal of Beliefs and Values

'Overall the collection provides an excellent example of analytical Thomism in operation.' - Reviews in Religion and Theology

'… This wide-ranging book provokes much thought.' - Ars Disputandi

'The result is impressive. He covers a range of philosophical topics with insightful pieces … All of the essays are imbued with a fine historical sensibility, attention to details, and charity to those who hold opposing views.' - First Things

'… The essays are all riddled with sparkling insight, and there are many examples too of clear-headed, careful, rigorous thinking through of issues. … This collection is very valuable, not just for the particular insights which Haldane offers, and they are brilliant, but for a wonderful example of a Catholic commitment to hard and clear thinking, an excellent example of the attempt to integrate faith and reason in a way which is respectful of both.' - New Blackfriars

'The collection is noteworthy for its range. Haldane has many interests, and he reveals a great deal of learning. [He] has the courage of his convictions, which are often against the stream, and expresses these with grace. In doing so he shows how flimsy is the basis on which traditional positions have been abandoned.' - The Philosophical Quarterly

'John Haldane’s respected and respectful voice has much to contribute to contemporary philosophising.' -  American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly