Yves R. Simon Reader: The Philosopher's Calling

An Yves R. Simon Reader: The Philosopher's Calling is the first collection of texts from the entirety of the philosopher's work, including selected key texts from all of Simon's twenty books, divided into three sections. It includes sections from several of Simon's last and most important essays, excerpts from his account and defense of democratic government, and contributions from contributors familiar with Simon's work. The hallmarks of Simon's work are on display throughout, making it a highly readable introduction to the thought of a key and underappreciated modern philosopher.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 514 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2021
Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press

An Yves R. Simon Reader is the first comprehensive collection of texts from the philosopher's entire body of work. French Catholic (and later American) political philosopher Yves R. Simon was a student of Jacques Maritain and played a significant role in the revival of Thomism. However, his work remains relatively unknown in English, and there is currently no English biography of him. In An Yves R. Simon Reader: The Philosopher's Calling, Michael D. Torre offers an insightful and valuable introduction to Simon's life and thought. The volume includes a selection of key texts from all of Simon's twenty books, with half of them being published posthumously. These texts are divided into three sections, each addressing a different aspect of Simon's philosophy. The first section primarily focuses on defending the Aristotelian and Thomistic understanding of human knowledge. The second section begins with Simon's groundbreaking discussion of human freedom and concludes with his account of practical wisdom. The third section further expands upon this account to encompass the central concerns of Simon's social and political philosophy. The selections are substantial enough to provide comprehensive arguments and include forewords by renowned commentators who are well-versed in Simon's work. These forewords provide the necessary context for the reader. An Yves R. Simon Reader also includes sections from several of Simon's last and most important essays, including those on sensitive knowledge and the analogous nature of act. It also features excerpts from his renowned account and defense of democratic government. The hallmarks of Simon's work are evident throughout, with his meticulous conceptual analysis, his ability to uncover overlooked examples, and his talent for crafting expressions that breathed new life into old ideas. As one of the book's contributors notes, Simon left no stone unturned in his pursuit of knowledge. The result is a rich and comprehensive exploration of Simon's philosophical thought.

Weight: 738g
Dimension: 153 x 231 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780268108304