Abstract:
Jacques Maritain was a significant contributor to the Christian philosophy debate of the 1930’s. In my presentation I explain the historical context of this dispute and contrast Maritain’s approach with that of Etienne Gilson. I then explore the question of how it is possible for one to be a Christian philosopher, or indeed a Thomist, while acknowledging the intractability of philosophical pluralism in light of Maritain’s view of truth.
This will allow me to draw together matters touched on in the introduction, the chapter on moral philosophy and the conclusion. It should provide an entry point for those who haven’t read the book or are not familiar with Maritain, as well as developing a new emphasis sufficiently to make it of interest to those who may have read the book or who know Maritain more deeply.
Please join us for the Maritain Fellows Lecture by Jason L. A. West, author of The Christian Philosophy of Jacques Maritain.