The One and the Many: A Contemporary Thomistic Metaphysics

This is the book I’ve been looking for to helpfully layout the heart of Thomistic Metaphysics. I cannot sing its praises enough. Not only is it informative but highly enjoyable to read. If you are looking for an introduction to this topic you must start here!

Highly recommended! This book easily explains the Thomistic-Aristotelian framework.

The history of metaphysical speculation is replete with contrast and contradiction; e.g. all is change, change is illusion, or all is one, each is all. As a result of which, many have sought new starting points and invented new lanquages (Heidegger must leap to mind) in the hope of providing improved perspectives.In "The One and the Many", Norris Clarke accepts the challenge of Western thought. He does not attempt to start anew, invent a new language or rise above the past. Rather, he builds on the core ideas that Western speculation has provided seeking the limits and assimilating the truths of each.Patiently and clearly by assimilation and contrast, Norris Clarke provides a 21st century "Thomistic existentialist" integration while calmly addressing the challenges of modernity to its ancient and medieval roots.Half-way through Norris Clarke's The One and the Many, I decided to review some of Heidegger's Being and Time. Fresh from Father Clarke, Heidegger seemed intelligible. For this ametuer philosopher that was startling and a testimony to the clear think Father Clarke imparts to his readers.This book is a joy to read. Enjoy him for both method and content and revel in a philosophy text that is an easy page-turner (this doesn't happen too often!).Peace

If you are new to Thomistic Metaphysics, then you may not be aware that there are many interpretations of St. Thomas Aquinas' metaphysics. Some try to bring him into the modern era, others try to understand him and make him knowable to others. Aquinas himself never wrote a specific book on his metaphysics. Rather, his metaphysical thought was inseparable from everything he wrote. This is one reason Aquinas is a realist. His metaphysics is not a theory, but a real introspect into "being" which is what is truly real.Norris Clarke's book was a delightful read. He is so far my favorite "Thomist". He was clear, but deep. It is difficult to teach metaphysics, since it involves anything which "is". Where do you start? I think this is where Clarke shines. He presents reasons for why metaphysics is important and introduces you to metaphysics while discussing its historical implications. He does this with modern examples that anyone will understand. Honestly, this is the best book I've found for getting my students to think about metaphysics.

An excellent book! This book is timely because it puts Thomistic metaphysics in a modern day context. It helps you gain a better understanding of a 13th century system of metaphysics by teaching you what it is, and how other modern day systems of metaphysics compare to it.The end of every chapter has a series of questions to help you reflect on concepts learned in the previous pages. Some training or exposure to philosophy is presupposed because the book is written as an "advanced textbook of systematic metaphysics in the Thomistic tradition." As with any other philosophical work, reading slowly and making notes in the margins will help you grasp the concepts before moving on to others.For those who are curious about Thomistic metaphysics, or if the Thomistic philosophical tradition appeals to you, then this book should be required reading. A truly remarkable book!

It's been some time since I read the book so I will not give a comprehensive review. I would say the book falls midway between a scholarly book and a popular book. I read it after having taken several graduate courses in Thomistic Philosophy at the Dominican House of Studies in DC. It not only served as a great review but helped me to deepen my understanding of Metaphysics: Form and Matter, Essence and Existence, Substance and Accidents, Act and Potency, and the Four Causes. Although confining itself to Metaphysics, this could easily be a first book for an individual who wants to delve into Thomism.

This is the best inroductory text on Thomas's thought I have seen. Fr Clarke does a fine job of relaying difficult metaphysical concepts in an easy to understand manner without compromising their meaning.In this book, Thomistic thought is effectively applied to modern philosophical and scientific issues. Ch 8 on the nature of identity through time via substance is especially good, as is Clarke's explanation on the distinction between the act of existence and a thing's essence.This is the text I recommend for both beginners in Thomas' thought as well as more advanced thinkers anxious to gain an insight in applying Thomism to modern issues.

A great primer on both Thomism and metaphysics that makes a point to accurately present opposing views.

El autor hace una introducción al tema y lo hace bien. Alguien que lee este libro puede entender el panorama básico de la filosofía clásica y por qué explica mejor el contenido de nuestra experiencia como seres humanos que otras filosofías modernas que le "intentan" competir. Necesitaré en un futuro darle otra leída para terminar de comprender algunos conceptos en los que tal vez una explicación más detallada pudo ser de utilidad. En general buena labor por parte del autor.

Very pleased with this book.

Came with a corner bumped. Possibly by shipping, possibly already that way. The binding etc is all good, though.