The Ultimate Why Question: Why is There Anything at All Rather Than Nothing Whatsoever? (Studies in Philosophy & the History of Philosophy): 54 - Hardcover

 
9780813218632: The Ultimate Why Question: Why is There Anything at All Rather Than Nothing Whatsoever? (Studies in Philosophy & the History of Philosophy): 54
Hardcover
ISBN 10: 0813218632 ISBN 13: 9780813218632
Publisher: Catholic University America Pr, 2011

Synopsis

This volume gathers studies by prominent scholars and philosophers about the question how have major figures from the history of philosophy, and some contemporary philosophers, addressed ""the ultimate why question"": why is there anything at all rather than nothing whatsoever? The authors take this question seriously, striving to go beyond accounting for the present state of reality as distinguished from a prior or subsequent state, to the more profound question of discerning why anything whatsoever exists.

The responses are varied: Lloyd P. Gerson considers Greek philosophy, and May Sim examines Chinese philosophy. Jon McGinnis explores a leading medieval Muslim philosopher, Avicenna, and volume editor John F. Wippel explores a leading medieval Christian philosopher, Thomas Aquinas. These chapters are followed by four responses from the modern period: Tad M. Schmaltz on Descartes; Daniel Dahlstrom on Leibniz, especially as he is understood by Heidegger; Edward C. Halper on Hegel; and, finally, Holger Zaborowski on F. W. J. Schelling. The final section of the book contains personal responses proposed by three contemporary thinkers who have addressed the problem in very different ways--Robert Cummings Neville, Brian Martine, and Nicholas Rescher.

Readers will gain a greater understanding and appreciation of an issue that has taxed the ingenuity of many philosophers through the centuries and continues to intrigue many thinkers today.

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About the Author

John F. Wippel, Theodore Basselin Professor of Philosophy at the Catholic University of America and recipient of the prestigious Aquinas Medal from the American Catholic Philosophical Association, has written several books including The Metaphysical Thought of Thomas Aquinas and Metaphysical Themes in Thomas Aquinas (both published by CUA Press).

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Publisher
Catholic University America Pr
Publication date
2011
Language
English
ISBN 10 
0813218632
ISBN 13 
9780813218632
Binding
Hardcover
Number of pages
250
Editor
Wippel John F.