Ontology, or the Theory of Being

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

35722

Title

Ontology, or the Theory of Being

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Peter Coffey's "Ontology, or the Theory of Being" offers a rigorous Scholastic exploration of reality's fundamental attributes. This philosophical treatise dissects the nature of existence, examining unity, truth, and goodness as transcendental properties. With clear, logical prose, it guides readers through complex metaphysical concepts, making classical logic accessible to modern minds seeking a deeper understanding of being, causality, and the divine order.

Summary up to 500 words

In "Ontology, or the Theory of Being," Peter Coffey presents a rigorous metaphysical analysis of reality, moving from fundamental concepts of being and becoming to the distinctions between existence and essence. Coffey identifies three transcendental attributes co-extensive with reality: unity, truth, and goodness. He defines unity as the undividedness of being, distinguishing between transcendental unity, which is common to all reality, and quantitative unity, specific to corporeal substances. The text further explores multitude and number, establishing that number is a measured multitude derived from mathematical unity. A significant portion of the work addresses the nature of time. Coffey defines time as the measure of motion or change according to before and after. He distinguishes between intrinsic time, the duration of change itself, and extrinsic time, measured against standards like the earth's rotation. The author examines the relativity of time perception, noting how mental attitude affects the estimation of duration, and discusses philosophical questions regarding time's beginning and reversibility. Coffey then examines causality, classifying causes into efficient and final categories. He engages with debates on occasionalism versus efficient causality, asserting that created things possess real causal power rather than being mere occasions for divine action. The text explores the relationship between nature and art, defining nature as an intrinsic principle of operation and art as an extrinsic one. Finally, Coffey considers the universal order, arguing that the convergence of diverse causes toward a harmonious end implies a supreme intelligence rather than blind chance. Throughout the work, the author maintains a tone of intellectual rigor, grounding metaphysical speculation in logical analysis and sensory experience to reveal the logical aspects inherent in the concept of reality itself.

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4.2/5

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Categories

• Philosophy