This important essay by the French Catholic philosopher articulates the foundation for his influential interpretations of Thomas Aquinas.Known for his influential writings that brought fresh relevance to the work of Thomas Aquinas, Jacques Maritain was one of the most important Catholic philosophers of the twentieth century. Although An Essay on Christian Philosophy is not generally considered to be among his major works, it is, in a sense, the key to unlo...

The Person and the Common Good, originally published in 1947, presents Jacques Maritain's clearest and most sustained treatment of the person. He asks whether the person is simply the self and nothing more. After more than half a century, Maritain's question still has great validity, given the current inordinate preoccupation with individualism.Presenting with moving insight the relations between man, as a person and as an individual, and the society of which he is a part,...

In 1957, one of the twentieth century's most brilliant philosophical minds turned his penetrating gaze toward humanity's greatest mystery: the meaning and direction of our collective journey through time. Jacques Maritain, the towering French Thomist whose ideas shaped presidents and popes alike, delivers a masterwork that cuts through the chaos of modern historical thinking with the precision of a surgeon's blade. Here is philosophy written with the urgency of a man who witnessed two worl...

The French philosopher's treatise on the nature of art and poetry includes enlightening critiques of major painters and dialogues with notable writers.Originally published in 1935 with the title Frontières de la Poésie, this work by Jacques Maritain explores the nature and subjectivity of art and poetry. As a philosopher, Maritain attempts to define the two concepts, describing them as virtuous, being primarily concerned with beauty. Rather than focusing...

In this contemporary classic, one of the great Catholic philosophers illuminates the methods by which humanity comes to know their God.

The meaning of poetry and the sociological and political significance of art are dealt with in these letters.

Jacques Maritain's An Introduction to Philosophy was first published in 1931. Since then, this book has stood the test of time as a clear guide to what philosophy is and how to philosophize. Inspired by the Thomistic Revival called for by Leo XIII, Maritain relies heavily on Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas to shape a philosophy that, far from sectarian theology in disguise, is driven by reason and engages the modern world. Re-released as part of the Sheed & Ward Classic series, An Introdu...

Few political philosophers have laid such stress upon the organic and dynamic characters of human rights, rooted as they are in natural law, as did the great 20th century philosopher, Jacques Maritain.As this important work reveals, the philosophy of Maritain on natural law and human rights is complemented by and can only be properly understood in the light of his teaching on Christianity and democracy and their relationship. Maritain shows that Christianity cannot be made subservi...

The classic work on the sublime interplay between the arts and poeticsThis book explores the rich and complex relationship between art and poetry, shedding invaluable light on what makes each art form unique yet wholly interdependent. Jacques Maritain insists on the part played by the intellect as well as the imagination, showing how poetry has its source in the preconceptual activity of the rational mind. As Maritain argues, intellect is not merely logical and con...

Widely regarded as the father of modern Western philosophy, Descartes sought to look beyond established ideas and create a thought system based on reason. In this profound work he meditates on doubt, the human soul, God, truth and the nature of existence itself.GREAT IDEAS. Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, pr...

Of all the works of the man claimed by many as the father of modern philosophy, the MEDITATIONS, first published in 1641, must surely be Rene Descartes' masterpiece. This volume consists of not only a new translation of the original Latin text and the expanded objections and replies, but also includes selected correspondence and other metaphysical writings from the period 1641-49.

This book provides depth and insight into the philosophical doctrine of Rene Descartes, and compares it to the metaphysics of Spinoza himself.