Human Knowing

A Prelude to Metaphysics

James W. Felt, S.J.

“This fine book is ideal for introductory courses in philosophy, and it is executed and backed up by careful, sophisticated philosophical analysis and insight.” —W. Norris Clarke, S.J., Fordham University

Human Knowing is a clearly written, brief introduction that guides the reader through an exploration of sense perception, ordinary knowing, scientific knowing, and philosophic knowing. This journey culminates in a justification of philosophy as a genuine form of knowing and thus a natural prelude to metaphysics. Though Felt manages to avoid technical language, the development of his argument is a genuine exercise in philosophic thinking. The outcome is a contemporary expression of a position similar to that of Thomas Aquinas, significantly enriched by insights from Bergson, Whitehead, and phenomenology.

This book is accessible, smart, and refreshing. Any interested general reader or student will profit from reading it.

James W. Felt, S.J., is John Nobili Professor of Philosophy at Santa Clara University.

Reviews

“. . . [T]his is an engaging work—bright, readable, and tighly argued. It should serve as a fine undergraduate introduction to epistemology.” — The Review of Metaphysics

 Human Knowing: A Prelude to Metaphysics

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Paper Edition 2005

140 pages
ISBN 10: 0-268-02879-6
ISBN 13: 978-0-268-02879-4

Cloth Edition 2005

140 pages
ISBN 10: 0-268-02878-8
ISBN 13: 978-0-268-02878-7