Real Philosophy for Real People: Tools for Truthful Living

by Robert McTeigue

A great philosopher once observed, "Philosophers let theories get in the way of what they and everybody else know." A lot of ink has been spilt in order to obscure what we really can't not know about reality, humanity and morality. In the midst of a culture permeated by philosophies that seek to redefine the universally available meaning of what it is to be human, Fr. Robert McTeigue says it is more important than ever to be equipped with reliable philosophical tools that help us to see clearly the implications of our stated moral claims; that enable us to detect moral and logical error; and that keep us grounded in the love of truth.

You will find such tools in these pages that explore what it means to be human with metaphysical, anthropological, and ethical dimensions. But this book does more than offer tools for seeing and understanding. It is a refutation of philosophies which prize love of theory over love of truth; a rebuke of any metaphysics that cannot account for itself; a refutation of anthropologies which are unworthy of the human person; and a refutation of ethical systems which reduce the great dignity and destiny of the human person. Most importantly, this book is a prescription for an it is a real philosophy for real people, wherein the best of classical philosophy finds its fulfillment, expressed in a contemporary idiom that is accessible to the layman and plausible to the scholar. It offers a catalog of errors with their refutations, and a map for living a truly human life. It is a portable error-detector, while providing a basis for knowing and presenting the truth.

Genres: Philosophy, Catholic

283 pages, Paperback

Published August 11, 2020

Reviews

[Jeff Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title is an accurate guide to the contents of this book.

This is meant for a general audience and lays the groundwork for discovering and living truth. For the most part, it uses philosophy to determine the components on which to build your life on. There is contact with theology by not revelation.

He breaks many things down into more memorable ideas as he dismantles philosophical worldviews and gives evidence for the only one that has contact with reality. He points out that an ethic must be livable.

This is written with some humor and solid examples. While intended for a generation audience, this book is not intended as an easy read which can be skimmed. It is well worth your investment of time.

[Sarah Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fr. McTeigue instructs people on how they should think critically. The book teaches people ways to question what they hear and read, instead of either agreeing or disagreeing on the basis of partisanship. We would have a more functional, rational society if more people read this book and followed its recommendations. I don't think it's a bold assertion to say that we have several generations at this point who have never been instructed on how to engage in critical thinking. Instead, the opposite is true. They're told to exclaim "their truth" and follow whatever passion they feel, wherever that happens to lead. It's a flawed basis for individual life and for our society. We can do better. Read this book to fix yourself first.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exceptional. I'll be the first to admit that some (ok about a third) of it was a bit over my head, BUT/AND it is certainly worthy of a reread and, I think, is one of those works from which I will glean and understand more with every reread. I consider myself a poor student of philosophy - my eyes tend to glaze over at the mere mention at the word - but Fr. McTeigue does a masterful job of breaking down and building back up major philosophical theories and ultimately illustrates that a provident personalism approach is the most logical, holistic foundation for a sound body of ethics. Will definitely revisit in the future.

PS - He's a Jesuit...one of the good ones. Sound theology.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book shows a way to "Rightly value what is rightly valuable so as to rightly desire what is rightly desirable so as to choose the right means to the right end and thus achieve one's ultimate destiny". It presents the first principle of prudential personalism. " Do those acts, and on my those acts, which are appropriate means to the supreme good of true knowledge and love of god, oneself, and the human community, both in time and in eternity ".

[Fr. Dave Tomaszycki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had Fr. McTeigue for philosophy classes back in 2009-2010. He is the best teacher I have ever had. He has amazing philosophy, an amazing way of presenting it, and it’s all here in this book. This is not “heavy” philosophy… it is some of the most solid philosophy you will ever read, and presented in a pretty simple manner.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give it 100 stars, I would. Amazing work done here.

[Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

A worthy read for any parent who wants to better understand and articulate the political and social ideologies in western cultures that are antithetical to the gospel.