Man's Knowledge of Reality: An Introduction to Thomistic Epistemology

by Frederick D. Wilhelmsen, John C. Médaille (Foreword)

First published in 1956, Frederick Wilhelmsen’s Man’s Knowledge of Reality remains a classic study in Thomistic epistemology. Wilhelmsen begins with an examination of what he refers to as Descartes’ “critical problem”; namely, the supposed inability of philosophy to procure what Descartes calls “certain knowledge.” Using Descartes’ argument as a starting point, he then launches into a comprehensive examination of Thomistic Metaphysical Realism, focusing on our primal experience of being as the self-evident truth upon which we can order our experience of reality. Building upon this first principle of being, Wilhelmsen proceeds to examine the natures of existence, knowledge, and judgement, and how they shape our experience of reality. Despite the intellectuality inherent in such a work, Wilhelmsen proves his merit as both a philosopher and a teacher by never straying far from the practical implications of such ideas, incisively demonstrating how the theories of Descartes and others have resulted in a loss of the unity and integrity of being, leading to the many false dualisms of the modern world.

Genres: Philosophy

236 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1956

About the author

Frederick D. 'Fritz' Wilhelmsen was Professor of Philosophy and Politics at the University of Dallas in Irving, TX. He also held full-time appointments at the University of Santa Clara, California; the University of Al-Hikma, Baghdad, Iraq; and the University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. Dr. Wilhelmsen was internationally known as a traditionalist Thomist philosopher and metaphysician, and was held in high esteem by the monarchist Carlists of Spain. With L. Brent Bozell Jr., he was a founding editor of the stridently traditionalist Roman Catholic journal Triumph.

Reviews

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. While over my head at times, it was as accessible as a book in this genre could be.

[Cody Edds · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wilhelmsen's work is extremely approachable and easy to read—especially Part I (Metphaysical Realism). This short book stems largely from Descartes' "critical problem" as Wilhelmsen calls it. From a post-cartesian perspective, Wilhelmsen covers a very readable and basic introduction to both Metaphysical Realism and Idealism. Each chapter is very short (around 10 pages) and is very organized, even outlined by subpoints. The second part of the book (Judgement and Truth) is central to Thomistic Epistemology but is also the hardest to grasp. Wilhelmsen does great to use examples and illustrations often in communicating his points. But I found myself lost and re-reading large portions. The third part of the book (An Intro to Epistemology of Speculative Sciences) felt tacked on at the end under just one chapter. I would have liked further treatment on this topic. Regardless, I recommend this book as a great starting place for Thomistic Epistemology. Especially with its many critiques of idealism, this book serves well as an introduction into some critiques of Van Tillian philosophy that leaned towards a rejection of Metaphysical (especially Moderate) Realism.

[Javier Perdomo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a pretty solid treatment of epistemology from a thomistic lens. I especially enjoyed the portions on the copy theory of knowledge and how thomism avoids that pitfall.

That being said, while this book is labeled an "introduction," it can certainly get quite dense at parts. I think it should be picked up by someone who is at already at least somewhat familiar with the basics of thomistic psychology and metaphysics. For someone looking to establish the prerequisite basics for tackling this book, I highly recommend: 1. "Aquinas: A Beginner's Guide" by Ed Feser, and 2. "The Human Person: A Beginner's Thomistic Psychology" by Steven J. Jensen.

[Richard Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful introduction to the theory of Knowledge; also a helpful argument for Realism and refutation of "Critical" approaches.

Books like this by clarifying the nature of thought help us to think more clearly - I believe that having read this will help me to think more clearly and study other topics more fruitfully.

I should have read this years ago, it could have helped make many of my other studies more efficient.

[Noah Harrold · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is more or less a critique of Descartes and what is called the critical problem.Descartes says that philosophy lacks certainty as opposed to mathematics, and that knowledge must therefore come from the mind rather than any external reality.
This book also covers metaphysical realism, epistemology, and judgment leading to truth.
His approach is inherently thomistic.
Rather hard to understand as a whole but seemingly worthwhile.

[Laura Hartness · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough yet concise work for beginning students of Thomistic epistemology. This was required reading for a course at Southern Evangelical Seminary. Our professor was Dr. J. T. Bridges. Although the title is short on pages, it's long on content. I found it very enjoyable for the genre.

[Jared Mindel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good. It can be a little bit confusing at times, but it was a nice introduction. I wish he had more arguments for the positions, but it was good nonetheless.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on the subject of epistemology. Willhelmsen writes well and has outlined his book very well. This is helpful if you are using this for a research paper, or if you just want a reference on your shelf regarding a unique epistemological tradition.

In terms of his theory, I think that it is correct. However, many will get bogged down in some of the terminology (i.e. phantasm) and may potentially struggle to understand the "Act of Knowing"—i.e. the act that he is attempting to demonstrate. It is one of the tragedies that philosophy appears to be only concerned with solving riddles, rather than describing reality as it is, and Wilhelsmen provides an entertaining, and introductory account of a Thomistic epistemology.

Regardless of your philosophical predisposition, this is definitely worth your time and effort— and it will take effort; do not assume that just because you don't know what a term means that you have dismissed the theory. One must grasp the propositions accurately before he can determine their meaning and accuracy. If read Wilhelmsen and you find his demonstration convincing, you will have the privilege of exploring a philosophical tradition that is concerned with truth and realty, rather than belief and coherence; if you do not find his ideas convincing, you will at least have done your due diligence and explored a tradition outside your own.

[Wahid · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are very few general studies of Aquinas' epistemology and an even fewer number that deal with the problems of knowledge in Aquinas' thought as good as this. I strongly recommend this for those interested in seeing the connections between logic, psychology and metaphysics in the somewhat artificial notion of a Thomistic "epistemology".