Mind, Matter, and Nature: A Thomistic Proposal for the Philosophy of Mind

Introductory texts on the philosophy of mind tend to presume that we are forced into a dichotomy between some version of materialism and substance dualism. Hylomorphism―the idea that living material substances are not just matter, but compounds of matter and soul―is typically treated as a historical curiosity or as inherently obscure.

In Mind, Matter, and Nature, James D. Madden offers an alternative: an introduction to contemporary philosophy of mind on its own terms that concludes that the hylomorphic philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas offers the best approach. This book offers a fair-minded and detailed presentation of the most influential contemporary positions along with the arguments for and against them.

Written for students, Mind, Matter, and Nature presumes no prior philosophical training on the part of the reader. The book nevertheless holds the arguments discussed to rigorous standards and is conversant with recent literature, thus making it useful as well to more advanced students and professionals interested in a resource on Thomistic hylomorphism in the philosophy of mind.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

James D. Madden is associate professor of philosophy at Benedictine College.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:
"With great care and sophistication, Madden articulates an account of different iterations of theories of mind held and developed by the principal analytic philosophers in the twentieth century. His fair and learned work offers a broad sweep of issues from the general perspective of analytical Thomism."―Anthony J. Lisska, Maria Theresa Barney Professor of Philosophy, Denison University

"Using the best of the contemporary idiom, and dealing with the best of contemporary views, this book successfully presents aspects of the perennial philosophy. As a textbook or as a primer for a professional philosopher who wants to get a grip on why someone might be tempted towards hylomorphism, this is an outstanding work."―Patrick Toner, associate professor of philosophy, Wake Forest University

"Madden offers an introductory text in philosophy of mind that stands apart from most others on the market in its sustained attention to and defense of a Thomistic hylomorphism. . .Recommended." -Choice