W. Norris Clarke, S.J., is professor emeritus of philosophy at Fordham University and is the author of The One and the Many (University of Notre Dame Press., 1994).
“Both students and teacher will benefit from a highly readable
account of major themes in Aquinas’ metaphysics. The material is
presented in a way accessible to those unfamiliar with the
formidable Aristotelian apparatus usually presumed in textbook
presentations of Aquinas. Clarke divides his book into short,
easily digestible chapters.” —Theological Studies
“This is the book that many of us have long been waiting for: the
systematic exposition of the Thomistically inspired but creative
metaphysical system of one of the foremost philosophers in the
Thomistic tradition. The work is not a recapitulation of standard
Thomistic metaphysics so much as a re-creation, on Thomistic
principles, of a contemporary metaphysical view that pushes Thomas’
principles to new developments and applications. Clarke stresses
participation in the act of existence, substance as dynamic, system
as a new metaphysical category, philosophic ramifications of
evolution and relativity, and the great circle of being embodied in
the universe. The book is well suited to both as a text in a course
in metaphysics and as an historically conscious source of insights
for the professional philosopher.” —James W. Felt, S.J., John
Nobili Professor of Philosophy, Santa Clara University
“This book is rich in metaphysical insight and suggestiveness. At
the same time it manages to be a rigorous presentation of Thomistic
metaphysics suitable to contemporary life.” —Encounter
"Clarke has written a very interesting and provocative book, one
that is likely to inspire future students to study metaphysics in
the Thomistic tradition. We are especially indebted to Clarke for
his willingness to engage modern science and his contribution to
the revival of metaphysics as a systematic study." —The Thomist
“W. Norris Clarke is one of the giants of North American Thomism.
For over fifty years he has been a learned and illuminating
interpreter of the metaphysics of Aquinas . . . in this book he
provides the most comprehensive presentation to date of his
distinctive philosophical and metaphysical thinking. Overall,
Clarke had produced a most stimulating and thought-provoking book
on the subject of metaphysics. It is replete with insights and
written with a rare generosity of spirit which is most uplifting to
read.” —The Heythrop Journal
“[A] masterly account of the metaphysical system which he has
worked out over a lifetime of historical research, teaching, and
writing. Those who have been waiting for this account will not be
disappointed. The One and The Manyis a very important book and its
contribution to speculative metaphysics and to the Thomistic
tradition is outstanding.” —Maritain Notebook
“...crisp, clear and easy to understand metaphysical arguments. It
presents a well-justified Thomistic metaphysical theory. The
importance of this book goes far beyond that of a good Thomistic
textbook. Its ahistorical approach should enable The One and the
Many to become a voice in contemporary discussions of metaphysical
issues.” —The Review of Metaphysics
“After a lifetime in the study and teaching of philosophy,
especially to undergraduates at Fordham University, Norris Clarke
has produced a valuable textbook of metaphysics, inspired by St.
Thomas, and adapted to issues of the present day. It does not just
repeat what St. Thomas said, but retrieves it, completes it,
appropriates it, and systematises it.” —Australasian Catholic
Record
“Norris Clarke is a master of metaphysics, and one to whom others
can well appretice themselves, since he is himself so astute an
apprentice of classical figures in philosophy. This intended
advanced text for systematic metaphysics is just that: advanced yet
pedagogically planned; systematic yet suffused with heart. A
sterling example from an exemplary oeuvre.” — David Burrell, C.S.C.
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