Method In Metaphysics: Lonergan and the Future of Analytical Philosophy - Hardcover

Beards, Andrew

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0802097529 ISBN 13: 9780802097521

Publisher: University of Toronto Press, 2008

Synopsis

In the last few decades, analytical philosophers have rediscovered an interest in the subject of metaphysics. Surveying the contributions made by these philosophers, Method in Metaphysics initiates a critical dialogue between analytical metaphysics and the philosophy of Bernard Lonergan. It argues for a basic method in metaphysics, a method that arises from a critically grounded epistemology and cognitional theory. In addition, it serves as a much-needed overview and introduction to current trends in analytical metaphysics.

Andrew Beards shows how Lonergan's philosophy can help to clarify not only particular issues in current debates but also the larger question of a basic method. He goes on to apply this method to topics at the forefront of discussions in contemporary philosophy - topics such as universals, tropes, events, causality, and the metaphysics of the self and the social. While the main focus of the study is on Lonergan and analytical philosophy, Beards also introduces the philosophies of Whitehead, Husserl, and Derrida into the debate. He brings Lonergan's critical realist philosophy into finely textured dialogue with a number of well-known contemporary metaphysicians such as Dummet, Putnam, Lewis, and Kripke.

About this title

About the Author

Andrew Beards is Director of Philosophy Courses at the Maryvale Institute, Birmingham, England.

From the Back Cover

'Method in Metaphysics combines two universes of philosophical discourse that have been formerly regarded as incommensurable. It shows clearly that the methodological and terminological gaps that have obstructed fruitful dialogue between Lonergan studies and analytic metaphysics can indeed be bridged. Andrew Beards has done a great service in producing this volume. It functions as a guidebook for those students of Lonergan's thought who wish to explore that branch of the analytic tradition that shares with Lonergan a metaphysical interest. For analytic metaphysicians, the book provides a number of tantalizing clues to the possible resolution of vexing questions.'-Mark D. Morelli, Professor and Director of Graduate Program in Philosophy, Loyola Marymount University

Edition details

• Publisher: University of Toronto Press
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0802097529
• ISBN 13: 9780802097521
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 448