Hamilton Books
Pages: 236
Trim: 8¾ x 11
978-0-7618-4144-9 • Paperback • November 2008 • $64.99 • (£50.00)
978-0-7618-4279-8 • eBook • November 2008 • $61.50 • (£47.00)
Jacinta Respondowska—born in Poland, exiled to Siberia in 1940, a refugee in 1941-42—came to the United States in 1947. A philosopher and an educator, she received her Ph.D. in philosophy from Duquesne University and has been teaching at Alvernia College (now University) since 1972. Since she received the status of Professor Emerita in 2004, she has been devoting most of her time to writing. She was awarded the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters in 2010.
Her undertaking is a response to the calls from the learned, coming from around the globe, for a new system in philosophy in light of contemporary knowledge that would reflect reality as a synergistically integrated whole—"an interplay of the human, cosmic and Divine." The overriding purpose of the study is to expose the roots of the contemporary crises in the world with the view of reversing the devastating trends to restore the peace, order and harmony for which every human heart craves. The author's life is a superb testimony to that faith which has the power to move mountains; her system of thought, an ingenious way of leading others to the attainment of life's ultimate goal—God.
Chapter 1 - Dialogue with the Reader: "Quest for the Meaning of Life"
Part 2 I. Preparation for the Journey
Part 3 II. Closer Look at Philosophy
Part 4 III. Understanding Some Logic
Part 5 IV. Quick Glance at the History of Philosophy
Part 6 V. Sharpening the Focus
Chapter 7 Chapter 2 - Back to the Basics: "Quest for the Truth of Reality"
Part 8 I. Prelude to the Dialectic
Part 9 II. Reflections on Reality
Part 10 III. Explorations of What-Is
Part 11 IV. Comprehensive View fo What-Is
Part 12 V. Reality from the Epistemological Standpoint
Part 13 VI. Dialectical Ascent
Even those who have no acquaintance with philosophy will find themselves drawn into its dialogue. This book provides the tools to make the ascent to the ultimate truth and offers the reader an enhanced vision of reality. The effect on one's quality of life is certain.
— Florence Kruczek, OSF., Ph.D., Professor Emerita and Assistant for Mission, Alvernia College
This book offers a fresh approach to both enduring and urgent questions. It immerses one in both the timely and the timeless. "What can I know? What ought I do? What may I hope for?" These questions are asked anew, in the context of post-modern dissipation and the insistency of the human spirit to strive for more. This book does not furnish mere information; instead it takes the reader on a journey of personal discovery that effects transformation and terminates in a vision that offers liberation from the stifling assumption that the real is only what can be measured and manipulated. This is a book of wisdom, from past to present, and pointing us to the future.
— Robert McTeigue, S.J., Associate Dean of the Pre-Theologate, Ave Maria University, Ave Maria, Florida