Thomistic Philosophy in the Face of Evolutionary Fact

Thomistic Philosophy in the Face of Evolutionary Fact PDF Author: Juan Eduardo Carreño Pavez
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN: 386838295X
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 766

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Book Description
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).

Thomistic Philosophy in the Face of Evolutionary Fact

Thomistic Philosophy in the Face of Evolutionary Fact PDF Author: Juan Eduardo Carreño Pavez
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN: 386838295X
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 766

Get Book

Book Description
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 PDF Author: Michael Chaberek
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1666702072
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 306

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Book Description
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 PDF Author: Michael Chaberek
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780991988068
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 260

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Book Description
"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 PDF Author: Chad Ripperger
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN: 3848216256
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 74

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Book Description
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.

From Aristotle to Darwin and Back Again

From Aristotle to Darwin and Back Again PDF Author: Etienne Gilson
Publisher: Ignatius Press
ISBN: 1586171690
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 255

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Book Description
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.

Theistic Evolution

Theistic Evolution PDF Author: Mariusz Tabaczek
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1009367013
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 335

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

Evolution, Cognition, and Realism

Evolution, Cognition, and Realism PDF Author: Nicholas Rescher
Publisher: University Press of America
ISBN: 9780819177551
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 148

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Book Description
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 PDF Author: Michael RUSE
Publisher: Harvard University Press
ISBN: 0674042972
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 336

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Book Description
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.

The Philosophy of Human Evolution

The Philosophy of Human Evolution PDF Author: Michael Ruse
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1107375428
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
This book provides a unique discussion of human evolution from a philosophical viewpoint, looking at the facts and interpretations since Charles Darwin's The Descent of Man. Michael Ruse explores such topics as the nature of scientific theories, the relationships between culture and biology, the problem of progress and the extent to which evolutionary issues pose problems for religious beliefs. He identifies these issues, highlighting the problems for morality in a world governed by natural selection. By taking a philosophical viewpoint, the full ethical and moral dimensions of human evolution are examined. This book engages the reader in a thorough discussion of the issues, appealing to students in philosophy, biology and anthropology.

The Earth Is Our Home

The Earth Is Our Home PDF Author: Nelson Rivera
Publisher: Andrews UK Limited
ISBN: 1845404874
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 243

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Book Description
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.