An Analysis of the Concepts of Self-Fulfillment and Self-Realization in the Thought of Karol Wojtyla, Pope John Paul II
| Author: | Reimers, Adrian | |
| Year: | 2001 | |
| Pages: | 204 | |
| ISBN: | 0-7734-7464-1 978-0-7734-7464-2 | |
| Price: | $179.95 + shipping | |
| (Click the PayPal button to buy) | ||
By analyzing the logical structure of human acts and habits, this study gives a rigorous interpretation of the notions of integration and self-realization. The analytic tools are drawn from C. S. Peirce’s analysis of habit. However, the direction of the argument is drawn from the writings of Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II). It presents an interpretation of the Wojtyla’s philosophical thinking on the human person and his acts. In Europe, Wojtyla’s thought has grown in importance, especially as its role in the Polish dialogue with Marxism has come to light. His writings are dense and their logical structure is often difficult to ferret out. This study brings sharp conceptual tools to bear on this interpretive task.
Reviews
“ ... an example of philosophy in the etymological sense of the term, a pursuit of wise living, and is hence refreshing to read. The author dares to be synthetic, adapting strategies from phenomenology and pragmaticism to an argument that is basically Aristotelian and Thomist ... By making linkages with the thought of Charles Sanders Peirce, the author essays to make the Catholic/phenomenological discussion more than an ephemeral development ... Also intriguing is the highlighting of Wojtyla’s critique of Max Scheler’s material ethics ...” – Professor Anthony J. Blasi, Tennessee State University
“Dr. Reimers deals exclusively with Wojtyla as philosopher, and succeeds in presenting his thought, even with reference to the writings of John Paul II, in a way that avoids both extremes. In doing so, and in bringing Wojtyla’s thought into dialogue with Peirce, Dr. Reimers has not only written a valuable work for scholars from both sides of that dialogue but has indicated one direction that a metaphysics of the person incorporating a synthesis of both perspectives might take.” – Joseph P. Rice, John Paul II Centre for the Study of Marriage and the Family, Newman Institute Ireland
“Dr. Reimers has performed a difficult task, bringing two philosophers from two very different approaches together in an admirable juxtaposition which illuminates the perspectives of both, while remaining faithful to each of them within the limited context he has proposed. He justly interprets Wojtyla’s thought by making clearly distinguished references to the writings of John Paul II as a measure of consistency ... deals exclusively with Wojtyla as a philosopher, and succeeds in presenting his thought, even with reference to the writings of John Paul II, in a way that avoids both extremes. In doing so, and in bringing Wojtyla’s thought into dialogue with Peirce, Dr. Reimers has not only written a valuable work for scholars from both sides of that dialogue, but has indicated one direction that a metaphysics of the person incorporating a synthesis of both perspectives might take.” – Review of Metaphysics
“Dr. Reimers deals exclusively with Wojtyla as philosopher, and succeeds in presenting his thought, even with reference to the writings of John Paul II, in a way that avoids both extremes. In doing so, and in bringing Wojtyla’s thought into dialogue with Peirce, Dr. Reimers has not only written a valuable work for scholars from both sides of that dialogue but has indicated one direction that a metaphysics of the person incorporating a synthesis of both perspectives might take.” – Joseph P. Rice, John Paul II Centre for the Study of Marriage and the Family, Newman Institute Ireland
“Dr. Reimers has performed a difficult task, bringing two philosophers from two very different approaches together in an admirable juxtaposition which illuminates the perspectives of both, while remaining faithful to each of them within the limited context he has proposed. He justly interprets Wojtyla’s thought by making clearly distinguished references to the writings of John Paul II as a measure of consistency ... deals exclusively with Wojtyla as a philosopher, and succeeds in presenting his thought, even with reference to the writings of John Paul II, in a way that avoids both extremes. In doing so, and in bringing Wojtyla’s thought into dialogue with Peirce, Dr. Reimers has not only written a valuable work for scholars from both sides of that dialogue, but has indicated one direction that a metaphysics of the person incorporating a synthesis of both perspectives might take.” – Review of Metaphysics
Table of Contents
1. The Modern Problem of Happiness
2. Happiness in St. Thomas Aquinas
3. The Human Act and Its Context
4. The Problem of Suffering
5. What Makes the Human Person happy
6. Happiness and Union with God
7. Conclusion
Bibliography; Index
2. Happiness in St. Thomas Aquinas
3. The Human Act and Its Context
4. The Problem of Suffering
5. What Makes the Human Person happy
6. Happiness and Union with God
7. Conclusion
Bibliography; Index