Mind, Matter, and Nature: A Thomistic Proposal for the Philosophy of Mind

by James D. Madden

Introductory texts on the philosophy of mind tend to presume that we are forced into a dichotomy between some version of materialism and substance dualism. Hylomorphism - the idea that living material substances are not just matter, but compounds of matter and soul - is typically treated as a historical curiosity or as inherently obscure.

In Mind, Matter, and Nature, James D. Madden offers an alternative: an introduction to contemporary philosophy of mind on its own terms that concludes that the hylomorphic philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas offers the best approach. This book offers a fair-minded and detailed presentation of the most influential contemporary positions along with the arguments for and against them.

Written for students, Mind, Matter, and Nature presumes no prior philosophical training on the part of the reader. The book nevertheless holds the arguments discussed to rigorous standards and is conversant with recent literature, thus making it useful as well to more advanced students and professionals interested in a resource on Thomistic hylomorphism in the philosophy of mind.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published June 19, 2013

About the author

Dr. James Madden lives in Atchison with his wife and their six children. Originally from Wisconsin, he received a B.A. from St. Norbert College, and did his graduate work at Kent State (MA, 1998) and Purdue (PhD, 2002). He was awarded the Benedictine College Distinguished Educator of the Year Award in 2006.

Reviews

[Suzzz]

I had to read this for a philosophy class.. let’s just say I’m glad it’s over. If you enjoy philosophy then this book would be great for you. Writing style was a bit difficult to read.

[Evan]

Excellent intro to philosophy of mind. Madden is very fair and thorough in pointing out the arguments for and against each major view.

My only minor qualm is wanting a bit more detail and interaction with critics of the Aristotelian view at the end. One has the feeling he ran out of space.

[Dean]

Good intro to phil of mind and presents Aristotelian Hylomorphism as an option superior to the rest.