Publisher's Synopsis
I present the sixth volume of Introduction to Thomistic Metaphysics. On this occasion, I deal with the topic of Essence and Existence. The distinguishing feature of Aquinas' metaphysics, as compared to Aristotle's, lies precisely in the approach and resolution of this matter. Whereas Aristotle relied on substance (ousia) to explain being, St. Thomas relies on the act of existing (esse) which, in composition with essence (essentia), gives the entity the fullness of being: existence. This thesis is controversial even within Thomism. The eminent French philosopher Étienne Gilson played a decisive role in teaching this doctrine. His contributions have made it possible to rediscover the Angelic Doctor's thought, generating a legitimate advance faithful to the Thomistic tradition. The topics are divided into 12 chapters preceded by an Introduction, as follows: 1-De ente et essentia. 2-Essence and existence in Aristotle. 3-Islamic philosophy. 4-Thomistic essence: definition. 5-Thomistic essence in compound substances. 6-Thomistic essence in simple substances. 7-The two modes of the essence in simple substances. 8-Essence in accidents. 9-Thomistic act of existing (actus essendi): definition. 10-The real distinction essence-existence. 11-The form and the actus essendi. 12-God. I have included an Epilogue at the end, along with corresponding Notes. References to recognized authors are numerous, as always.
