Metaphysics, the science of being as being, is the subject of this
volume composed in honor of John F. Wippel, the Theodore Basselin
Professor of Philosophy at the Catholic University of America, and an
internationally prominent metaphysician and expert in medieval
philosophy. Scholars present studies on key philosophical and historical
issues in the field. Though varied, the investigations address three
major metaphysical themes: the subject matter of metaphysics,
metaphysical aporiae, and philosophical theology.
Robert Sokolowski considers the historical recapitulation of the phrase
"the science of being as being"; Dominic O'Meara focuses on the
development of this science in late antiquity; Jan A. Aertsen asks why
the medievals called it "First Philosophy"; and Andreas Speer returns to
the origins of metaphysical discourse for a better understanding of
contemporary metaphysical issues.
Gregory T. Doolan examines difficulties concerning Aquinas's metaphysics
of substance; Jorge Gracia looks to the tradition of scholastic
philosophy to examine the individuality and individuation of race; and
James Ross argues against the modal ontologies of the twentieth century,
showing that metaphysical possibility depends on the existence of a
free, divine creator.
Stephen F. Brown considers Godfrey of Fontaines on the role of
metaphysics in revealed theology; John F. Wippel examines Aquinas on the
"preambles of faith," those doctrines presupposed by faith that can also
be proven philosophically; Brian J. Shanley addresses Aquinas's
philosophical views on providence; Eleonore Stump, looking to Aquinas as
well, shows how God can be personally present to human beings; and
Marilyn McCord Adams offers a metaphysical consideration of the
Christian doctrine of resurrection.
ABOUT THE EDITOR:
Gregory T. Doolan, associate professor of philosophy at the Catholic
University of America, is author of Aquinas on the Divine Ideas as
Exemplar Causes, published by CUA Press.
