Human Knowing

Human Knowing is a clearly-written, brief introduction to philosophic thinking that guides the reader through an exploration of sense perception, ordinary knowing, scientific knowing, and philosophic knowing. This philosophic journey culminates in a justification of philosophy itself as a genuine form of knowing and thus is a natural prelude to metaphysics. Though Felt has largely managed to avoid unfamiliar language, the development is a genuine exercise in philosophic thinking. The outcome amounts to a contemporary expression of a position that is basically like that of Thomas Aquinas though enriched by insights from Bergson, Whitehead, and phenomenology. The book is accessible, smart, and refreshing. Any interested general reader or student will profit from reading it.

JAMES W. FELT, S.J., is John Nobili Professor of Philosophy at Santa Clara University.