God, Philosophy, Universities

A Selective History of the Catholic Philosophical Tradition

By (author) Alasdair MacIntyre

Publication date:

16 May 2009

Length of book:

200 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9780742544291

'What does it mean to be a human being?' Given this perennial question, Alasdair MacIntyre, one of America's preeminent philosophers, presents a compelling argument on the necessity and importance of philosophy. Because of a need to better understand Catholic philosophical thought, especially in the context of its historical development and realizing that philosophers interact within particular social and cultural situations, MacIntyre offers this brief history of Catholic philosophy. Tracing the idea of God through different philosophers' engagement of God and how this engagement has played out in universities, MacIntyre provides a valuable, lively, and insightful study of the disintegration of academic disciplines with knowledge. MacIntyre then demonstrates the dangerous implications of this happening and how universities can and ought to renew a shared understanding of knowledge in their mission. This engaging work will be a benefit and a delight to all readers.
While not a work of academic philosophy—MacIntyre intends it for undergraduate seniors and first-year graduate students—this book can profitably be read by any reader of First Things. In fact, it should be so read, as either an introduction or a refresher to the great tradition, and then passed on to a friend.