A Philosopher in Provence: The Life and Work of Maurice Blondel

This is a major study of the life and writings of French philosopher Maurice Blondel, the main philosophical influence behind the so-called new theology in modern Catholicism. Dominican theologian and philosopher Nichols charts Blondel's thinking with an eye on its compatibility with the "school of Thomas", the classical philosophy and theology of the Church.

Nichols says that the case for Blondel’s departure from the mindset of the historical St. Thomas Aquinas has been overstated, and he proposes a convergence of Thomism and Blondelianism – or “new theology” - as a desirable consolidation of forces in the face of post-modern intellectual anarchy and radical theology in the Church today.

Nichols notes that ‘Thomists’ were among the severest Church critics of Blondel, and yet Blondel himself claimed to be, in the philosophical writings of his middle and later period, standing on the shoulders of Aquinas – and also of Augustine. 

He also notes that “while Blondel can be regarded as the ‘house-philosopher’ of the nouvelle théologie of which the prime representative is surely Henri de Lubac, Balthasar, the principal inspiration of the Communio school of post-Conciliar Catholic thought, went out of his way to name Maurice Blondel the ‘greatest Catholic philosopher of modern times’.”

Nichols says that, “By any reckoning, Blondel is a major figure of modern Catholicism, and this alone justifies a serious study of his life and work.  His was an intellect in love with God.  The evidence of his piety was early noted, and his devotion to Jesus Christ and the Catholic religion never faltered. It is not surprising that he is currently a candidate for raising to the altars of the Church.”

Details:

Format: Paperback

Page Count: 492

Dimensions: 9.0 x 6.0 (in)