Description
Can finite humans grasp universal truth? Is it possible to think beyond the limits of reason? Are we doomed to failure because of our finitude? In this clear and accessible book, Barnabas Aspray presents Ricoeur's response to these perennial philosophical questions through an analysis of human finitude at the intersection of philosophy and theology. Using unpublished and previously untranslated archival sources, he shows how Ricoeur's groundbreaking concept of symbols leads to a view of creation, not as a theological doctrine, but as a mystery beyond the limits of thought that gives rise to philosophical insight. If finitude is created, then it can be distinguished from both the Creator and evil, leading to a view of human existence that, instead of the 'anguish of no' proclaims the 'joy of yes.'
A clearly written book about Ricoeur's thought at the intersection of philosophy and theology, with human finitude as its focus.
About the Author
Barnabas Aspray is a Junior Research Fellow at the University of Oxford. He received his PhD in philosophical theology from the University of Cambridge in 2020, and is an active member of the International Network of Philosophy of Religion.
Reviews
'With Ricoeur at the Limits of Philosophy, Barnabas Aspray brings Ricoeur clearly and directly into debate with contemporary philosophy. The question of finitude in its relation to finite and infinite is a crucial issue in twentieth-century thought. By reading the French philosopher also as a theologian, the author shows that created finitude cannot be reduced to finitude as commonly described. Based on rarely seen correspondence (especially with Gabriel Marcel) and less well-known authors (Pierre Thevenaz), this work fills a gap in Ricoeur studies, using the philosopher's early works to inaugurate new frontiers between philosophy and theology. An indispensable book.' Emmanuel Falque, Catholic University of Paris
'This lucidly written and deeply informed book provides a new perspective on a rarely examined area of Paul Ricoeur's important work, namely his earliest texts before the 'hermeneutic turn'. Aspray's study is a significant contribution to our understanding of one of the twentieth century's richest and most fruitful philosophical approaches.' Christina Gschwandtner, Fordham University
'Paul Ricoeur is one of the most important French philosophers of the later twentieth century - distinctive and significant not least because of his sympathetic engagement with theological themes. In this beautifully clear and insightful study, we are shown the development of Ricoeur's intellectual agenda through his encounters with the conflicting styles of French thought. This is a model of how a monograph in intellectual history should be written, and a major contribution to our understanding of the frontiers of religion and philosophy.' Rowan Williams, University of Cambridge
'... Aspray has given us an excellent treatment of the early Ricoeur.' Brian Gregor, The Heythrop Journal
'Ricoeur at the Limits of Philosophy is one of the strongest arguments for Ricoeur's theological significance in recent history... Aspray summarizes and makes accessible some of Ricoeur's most important yet underappreciated works ... while also drawing upon archival materials from lectures and letters to reveal new insights into Ricoeur's thought. It is an excellent and erudite book which in itself elicits hope and gives rise to new philosophical and theological thought, a response I think Ricoeur himself would joyfully approve.' Joel Mayward, Reading Religion
Book Information
ISBN 9781009186742
Author Barnabas Aspray
Format Hardback
Page Count 260
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 541g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 158mm * 21mm
A clearly written book about Ricoeur's thought at the intersection of philosophy and theology, with human finitude as its focus.
About the Author
Barnabas Aspray is a Junior Research Fellow at the University of Oxford. He received his PhD in philosophical theology from the University of Cambridge in 2020, and is an active member of the International Network of Philosophy of Religion.
Reviews
'With Ricoeur at the Limits of Philosophy, Barnabas Aspray brings Ricoeur clearly and directly into debate with contemporary philosophy. The question of finitude in its relation to finite and infinite is a crucial issue in twentieth-century thought. By reading the French philosopher also as a theologian, the author shows that created finitude cannot be reduced to finitude as commonly described. Based on rarely seen correspondence (especially with Gabriel Marcel) and less well-known authors (Pierre Thevenaz), this work fills a gap in Ricoeur studies, using the philosopher's early works to inaugurate new frontiers between philosophy and theology. An indispensable book.' Emmanuel Falque, Catholic University of Paris
'This lucidly written and deeply informed book provides a new perspective on a rarely examined area of Paul Ricoeur's important work, namely his earliest texts before the 'hermeneutic turn'. Aspray's study is a significant contribution to our understanding of one of the twentieth century's richest and most fruitful philosophical approaches.' Christina Gschwandtner, Fordham University
'Paul Ricoeur is one of the most important French philosophers of the later twentieth century - distinctive and significant not least because of his sympathetic engagement with theological themes. In this beautifully clear and insightful study, we are shown the development of Ricoeur's intellectual agenda through his encounters with the conflicting styles of French thought. This is a model of how a monograph in intellectual history should be written, and a major contribution to our understanding of the frontiers of religion and philosophy.' Rowan Williams, University of Cambridge
'... Aspray has given us an excellent treatment of the early Ricoeur.' Brian Gregor, The Heythrop Journal
'Ricoeur at the Limits of Philosophy is one of the strongest arguments for Ricoeur's theological significance in recent history... Aspray summarizes and makes accessible some of Ricoeur's most important yet underappreciated works ... while also drawing upon archival materials from lectures and letters to reveal new insights into Ricoeur's thought. It is an excellent and erudite book which in itself elicits hope and gives rise to new philosophical and theological thought, a response I think Ricoeur himself would joyfully approve.' Joel Mayward, Reading Religion
Book Information
ISBN 9781009186742
Author Barnabas Aspray
Format Hardback
Page Count 260
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 541g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 158mm * 21mm
