Titoli in Filosofia

The notion, often echoed by ancient writers, is more than just poetic fancy; it suggests that the soul of an individual is merely a fragment of a larger whole, seeking out other souls for true completion. We navigate through unrealized worlds until we uncover the profound secret of love. Deep down, we acknowledge this truth, even as we chase various ambitions and hopes. Amid the materialism that surrounds us, we recognize that the spiritual dimension of life holds the utmost significance, offering us genuine joy. At its core, friendship is a spiritual bond—a free and spontaneous expression ...

Explore two poignant addresses inspired by the sudden passing of Ambroses brother, Satyrus. Delve into On the Death of a Brother and On the Belief in the Resurrection as they reflect on grief, loss, and hope. - Summary by InTheDesert

Dive into St. Jeromes most renowned letter, Libellus de virginitate servanda, addressed to St. Eustochium, the young daughter of St. Paula. In this compelling correspondence, St. Jerome passionately encourages Eustochium to embrace the path of virginity while imparting essential lessons on the conduct of a virtuous young woman. Within its pages, you will find his reflections on topics such as the irreversible nature of a fallen virgin (§5), a striking portrayal of fasting and temptation (§7), his unyielding stance on abortion as murder (§13), and the notion of holy pride in virginity (§16)...

The Hexaemeron comprises nine captivating homilies by St. Basil that delve into the fascinating cosmogony presented in the opening chapters of Genesis. While the exact time and location of these sermons remain uncertain, they were delivered during Lent, both in the morning and evening services, and were intended for a diverse audience, including working men. St. Basil’s preaching style, suggested by the spontaneous nature of his words in Homily VIII, reflects his usual extemporaneous approach. Unlike his more polished written works, such as De Spiritu Sancto, the Hexaemeron reveals a raw and...

In A DOUBTERS Doubts about Science and Religion, originally published anonymously by an author serving as Assistant Commissioner of Police at Scotland Yard, we delve into the intersection of skepticism, science, and faith. This thought-provoking work challenges the reader to question widely held beliefs, urging a true skepticism that scrutinizes rather than blindly accepts. The author critiques both scientific theories and religious claims, providing a philosophical exploration of ideas that continue to resonate today. Although certain theories may have evolved since its publication, the ...

In On Lying, I explore the complex nature of deception and the vital importance of truthfulness. While the ideas presented may initially seem challenging, they offer profound insights that sharpen the mind and enrich moral understanding. This work, which I contemplated leaving unpublished due to its intricate nature, ultimately aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for honesty in our speech and interactions. - Summary by Augustine

William Law (1686-1761) was an influential Anglican priest, Christian mystic, and one of the most notable theological writers of his era. He transformed how 18th-century Anglicans approached the spiritual dimensions of their faith, achieving popularity that rivaled that of John and Charles Wesley. Law skillfully integrated mystical practices from early church writings into the modern British church, aimed at empowering the Anglican layperson to seek a deeper connection with Christ. A Dialogue Between a Methodist and a Churchman stands as one of Laws significant theological works. In this ...

In On the Spirit and the Letter, St. Augustine responds to Tribune Marcellinus, who expressed surprise at the claim that man could live sinlessly with divine assistance. Marcellinus questioned how something could be deemed possible if there are no examples to prove it. Augustine passionately defends the concept of grace, illustrating that while the law is good and holy, it alone cannot save us; it often amplifies our guilt when we know our duties but lack the ability to fulfill them. He emphasizes the necessity of the Spirit’s support, which fills our hearts with grace, enabling us to love ...

Dive into the profound insights of The Elements of Theology (ΣΤΟΙΧΕΙΩΣΙΣ ΘΕΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ), crafted by the renowned Greek Neoplatonist philosopher Proclus (ΠΡΟΚΛΟΣ) and brilliantly translated by Thomas Taylor, who honored his youngest son with the name Thomas Proclus Taylor. This remarkable work comprises 211 thought-provoking propositions, each accompanied by a rigorous proof, beginning with the foundational concept of the One (divine Unity) and culminating in the exploration of individual souls descent into the material realm. Notably, Saint Thomas Aquinas acknowledged ...

Written during a time of deep personal turmoil in England and completed in the tranquil solitude of Schiavi, Anselm’s Cur Deus Homo? stands as his literary masterpiece. This profound work continues to engage readers today, even those with little background in Catholic theology. While the title suggests an inquiry into the purpose of the Incarnation, Anselms true aim is to explore the rationale behind the economy of redemption. He poses critical questions Was the Incarnation a slight against Gods majesty? What barriers did the Fall create against Divine forgiveness? Could these barriers have ...

Underhill explores the vibrant and immediate nature of spiritual life, asserting that spirituality is an essential aspect of humanity. She contends that any comprehensive understanding of human existence must incorporate the spiritual dimension and recognize the religious life through which it is expressed.

Dive into the profound insights of Sir Thomas Browne, whose works Religio Medici and Hydriotaphia explore the depths of human existence and spirituality. Religio Medici (The Religion of a Doctor) offers a unique glimpse into Brownes spiritual beliefs and serves as an early psychological self-portrait. Published in 1643, this best-selling book quickly garnered controversy for its unconventional views, landing on the Papal Index Librorum Prohibitorum just two years later. While rooted in Christian faith, Brownes reflections also wander into fascinating digressions on alchemy, astrology, and ...

In this thought-provoking exploration, Richard Hooker delves into the foundational aspects of the English Church, tackling the pivotal question What underpins Church laws and governance? His monumental work, ‘The Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity,’ emerges as a response to the prevailing Puritan system, which posited that only the unchanging rules laid out in Holy Scripture could govern matters of worship, discipline, and authority. Hooker challenges this notion by asserting that to truly understand Divine order, we must consider not only the scriptures but also the moral relations, historical...

In his work Retractions, St. Augustine reflects on the significance of virginity, stating, After I had written on the Good of Marriage, it was anticipated that I would address the topic of Holy Virginity. I did not hesitate to explore this divine gift—its immense value and the humility required to uphold it—in a single volume. This book begins, and delves into the profound insights he offers.

Henry Scougal, born in Scotland in 1650, was the son of the Bishop of Aberdeen and thrived under rigorous academic instruction, eventually becoming the Professor of Philosophy at Kings College, Aberdeen. In 1672, he was ordained as a minister in Auchterless, returning a year later to Kings College as Professor of Divinity, a role he held until his untimely death in 1678. The Life of God in the Soul of Man is essentially a heartfelt letter of doctrine and encouragement directed to a friend struggling with faith, initially never meant for public eyes. In his epistle, Scougal explores three ...

Discover the timeless wisdom of the Dhammapada, a cherished collection of verses that serve as one of the foundational texts of Buddhism. The term Dhammapada translates to The Path of Dharma, with the Pali term Dhamma aligning closely with its Sanskrit counterpart, Dharma. This compilation encapsulates the Buddhas teachings, meticulously gathered by his devoted students in the years following his final Nirvana. Spanning forty-five years of profound insights, these 423 verses—marked by their clarity and often playful wit—offer vivid similes that resonate with all ages, from the carts wheel ...

In his insightful work On Virginity, penned around 370 AD, the author aims to inspire readers to cultivate a profound commitment to virtuous living. This timeless exploration of purity and morality encourages a journey toward a life dedicated to perfect virtue. - Summary by Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913).

In 1770, Baron DHolbach unveiled his groundbreaking work, Systeme de la Nature, which was long misattributed to M. de Mirabaud. This influential text on Atheistical Philosophy ignited considerable debate, leading to the Barons release of an insightful abridgment in 1772. Stripped of arbitrary notions and characterized by its clarity, accessibility, and precision, this edition is designed for the everyday reader. This version is based on an undated English translation of Le Bon Sens, published around 1900, with no credit given to the translator. (Summary from editors preface)

Originally published in 1885, Light on the Path has become a cornerstone for Theosophists and spiritual seekers alike. This timeless work provides insightful guidance for those pursuing a spiritual way of life, presented in concise, point-by-point sections that engage the reader. This edition also includes a valuable chapter on karma, offering deeper insights for students of esoteric wisdom. - Summary by Newgatenovelist

This remarkable book serves as an intricate map of humanity, exploring the anatomy of our existence across all ages. It embodies the profound adage nosce te ipsum—the imperative of knowing oneself—representing the pinnacle of human wisdom. This universal dial, crafted in France, transcends geographical boundaries, illustrating how the fleeting moments of life unfold from the dawn of birth to the twilight of death. It reflects on the inevitable journey every man faces, from the grandeur of Solomon on his golden throne to the humble plight of Job, scraping his wounds in despair. Ultimately, ...