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"The full title of Newton's Principia is """"The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy."""" Sadly, some contemporary philosophers might be hard-pressed to say just what natural philosophy is about--sadly, because it remains foundational to questions arising in other disciplines: metaphysics, ethics, philosophical psychology, and the philosophy of god, to name a few. In Nature, the Soul, and God, Jean Rioux has brought together primary readings in the philosophy of nature, presenting ways in which philosophers conceive of and account for the natural world in a pre-scientific reflection upon the way things are. Its three main sections comprise: a consideration of what the world would look like if natural philosophy were not possible, some representative natural philosophies (materialism, formalism, dualism, and hylomorphism), as well as an investigation into the implications these philosophies of nature have for other important questions, such as human freedom and the immortality of the human soul. Through the medium of philosophers both ancient and modern, Rioux makes the point that one's philosophical account of the natural world will inevitably have an impact upon how one regards oneself, and even things divine. It all begins with nature."

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9781666702491

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This is by far the most didactic selection of philosophical texts I have found on the three great questions. As Aristotle says, 'a principle seems to be more than half of the whole, for many of the questions that are posed are clarified through it.' And these readings bring out the diverse principles that have shaped Western thought from its inception to modern times. --Eduardo Bernot, Holy Apostles College and Seminary In this second edition of Nature, the Soul, and God, Dr. Rioux brings his vast teaching experience to bear on how best to introduce students to enduring philosophical questions concerning the natural world. The readings, selected from some of the most influential and time-tested philosophers in the Western tradition, challenge students to confront for themselves the implications of answering those questions in various ways. This is an important contribution to teaching philosophy. --Daniel Pierson, Benedictine College This is by far the most didactic selection of philosophical texts I have found on the three great questions. As Aristotle says, 'a principle seems to be more than half of the whole, for many of the questions that are posed are clarified through it.' And these readings bring out the diverse principles that have shaped Western thought from its inception to modern times. --Eduardo Bernot, Holy Apostles College and Seminary In this second edition of Nature, the Soul, and God, Dr. Rioux brings his vast teaching experience to bear on how best to introduce students to enduring philosophical questions concerning the natural world. The readings, selected from some of the most influential and time-tested philosophers in the Western tradition, challenge students to confront for themselves the implications of answering those questions in various ways. This is an important contribution to teaching philosophy. --Daniel Pierson, Benedictine College

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Jean W. Rioux is professor and chair of the philosophy department at Benedictine College, Atchison, Kansas.

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