The Metaphysics of Evolution: Evolutionary Theory in Light of First Principles

by Chad A. Ripperger

In his encyclical Humani Generis, Pope Pius XII stressed the importance of preserving the traditional Catholic approach to philosophy. In his work The Metaphysics of Evolution, Fr. Chad Ripperger demonstrates that the theory of evolution is incompatible with the metaphysics of the Catholic tradition.

Genres: Philosophy, Science, Nonfiction, Theology, Catholic

57 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 8, 2012

About the author

Chad Alec Ripperger, F.S.S.P. is an American Catholic priest, theologian, philosopher and exorcist. He is well known among Traditionalist Catholic circles and has given numerous talks around the country on various religious topics. Many of these are available for viewing on YouTube.

Reviews

[Vagabond of Letters, DLitt · Rating 2 out of 5]

** (generous)

Very badly written, endlessly and verbatim repetitive, unedited, and entirely reliant on a very specific interpretation of Scholastic Aristotelianism, this book reads like a bad - almost machine - translation* or mockery of actual Scholastic thought, but nevertheless raises some interesting questions.

However, even I, a dogmatic young-earth creationist at the time of reading, thought that at times (oftentimes) the author is either uncomprehending of the best evolutionist thought or is deliberately arguing against strawmen - or that scholastic Aristotelianism is incapable of addressing the question, whether due to insufficiency in it, in evolutionist theory, or in the pretty much infinite divergence between the two in every way - formal, final, material, efficient, and axiomatic!

*I recently read a Mao's red book, a notoriously bad translation in to English, and it read more naturally than this. The stiltedness is not just an artifact of scholasticism, as I am familiar with the ST, ScG, Commentary on the Sentences, Vos' Dogmatics, Bellarmine, Turretin, Chemnitz, etc. and would level the same charge against none of those works or authors in any translation I have read.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep concepts, very clearly written.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A necessary read, which tackles Darwinian/cross-species evolution in light of philosophical rather than scientific principles.

[Catholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Metaphysics of Evolution" by Fr. Chad Ripperger is an in-depth critique of the theory of evolution from a metaphysical standpoint. The book scrutinizes the theory using the framework of first principles – fundamental concepts that are innate to human reasoning. Fr. Ripperger argues that evolutionary theory, when examined through these principles, reveals inherent contradictions and improbabilities. He discusses the concept of act and potency, asserting that evolution violates this principle by suggesting that a being can actualize itself into something higher than its own nature. He also delves into the principles of finality, proportionate causality, and the uniformity of nature, highlighting how each is contravened by evolutionary claims. Fr. Ripperger contends that evolution, both in its macroevolutionary scope and in the context of theistic evolution, fails to align with these fundamental principles.

This work by Fr. Ripperger was pivotal in shaping my understanding of the untenability of the theory of evolution when evaluated through the lens of metaphysics. It demonstrates that a thorough understanding of first principles, rather than a deep knowledge of science, is crucial to formulating rational arguments against evolution. The book’s examination of principles such as the priority of act to potency and the impossibility of spontaneous creation provides a robust philosophical foundation for critiquing evolutionary theory. Fr. Ripperger’s discussion on the principle of sufficient reason and the inherent contradiction in evolutionists’ claims that higher beings can emerge from lower beings without an external actuating cause was particularly enlightening. The book also effectively dismantles the evolutionary argument by showing that it violates the principle of economy, requiring an unnecessary multiplication of causes. In essence, “The Metaphysics of Evolution” offers a compelling argument that the theory of evolution is irrational when measured against the first principles of thought and reality. This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in understanding the metaphysical arguments against the theory of evolution.

[BG45 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poorly written and overpriced for less than 100 pages. Rippinger again displays his inability to conform to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Not surprising though from a man who tries to claim that Harry Potter spells are real.

[Atlantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reads like a bare bones college thesis. While the subject is interesting it only scratches the surface; yet still manages to break apart the hypothesis of evolution. Definitely worth considering.

[Boat · Rating 4 out of 5]

8/10 - Thomistic evaluation of the theory of evolution. Main criticism is regarding the lack of scientific consensus among experts regarding transitional fossils. Furthermore, metaphysical principles such as the principle of non-contradiction and sufficient reason are evoked.

[Pzyqer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a short academic read. I couldn't really say how good the arguments are, brought up here.

[Luke LaCour · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guy single-handedly steamrolls the idea of human evolution and evolution as a whole. The concept of evolution breaks most of the basic first principles, so I completely agree with this book.

[Bowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bit of a rough read but 5 stars for the content.