Real Philosophy for Real People: Tools for Truthful Living

by Fr. Robert McTeigue .S.J., Robert J. Spitzer

The philosopher Paul Weiss once observed, "Philosophers let theories get in the way of what they and everyone else know." For many, the very word "philosophical" has become all but synonymous with "impractical".

Yet whether we like it or not, almost every corner of our lives—from dissertation writing to channel surfing—brings us face to face with competing philosophies and world views, each claiming to tell us definitively what it means to be human. How can we know which one is right? And what difference does it make?

To Robert McTeigue, S.J., it makes every difference in the world. Consciously or not, we all have a world view, and it decides how we live. In this book, McTeigue gives a funny and invigorating crash course in practical logic, metaphysics, anthropology, and ethics, equipping readers with a tool kit for breaking down and evaluating the thought systems—some good, some toxic—that swirl around us, and even within us.

In McTeigue, classical philosophy finds a contemporary voice, accessible to the layman and engaging to the scholar. Real Philosophy for Real People is an answer to those philosophies that prize theory over truth, to any metaphysics that cannot account for itself, to anthropologies that are unworthy of the human person, and to ethical systems that reduce the great dignity and destiny of the human person. As the author insists, "A key test of any philosophy Can it be lived?" With Thomas Aquinas, this book teaches not only how to know the truth, but how to love it and to do it.

Genres: Philosophy, Catholic

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 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.