The Metaphysics of Theism

A study of the natural theology of Thomas Aquinas. Natural theology is the investigation by analysis and rational argument of fundamental questions about reality, considered in relation to God. Kretzmann shows the continuing value of Aquinas's doctrines to the philosophical enterprise today.

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The Metaphysics of Theism presents an explanation and evaluation of Aquinas' natural theology, the paradigm of which is the first book of the Summa contra gentiles. But in addition to considering this as a monumental achievement of medieval philosophy, Norman Kretzmann approaches it as a continuing enterprise which can be developed with considerable benefit in contemporary philosophy. Professor Kretzmann follows Aquinas in seeing natural theology as the means of integrating philosophy and theology. What makes this enterprise natural theology is its forgoing of appeals to revelation as evidence for the truth of propositions. What makes it natural theology is its agenda: to investigate, by means of analysis and argument, not only the existence nad nature of God but also the relation of everything else - especially human nature and behaviour - to God considered as reality's first principle. Professor Kretzmann argues that natural theology offers the only route by which philosophers can, as philosophers, approach theological propositions, and that the one presented in this book is the best available natural theology.