Pantheism - A Non-Theistic Concept of Deity

Author : Michael P. Levine

Master eBook ISBN10 : 0-203-01477-4

Master eBook ISBN13 : 978-0-203-01477-6

No of pages :400

Originally Published : 7 Jul 1994

No of Copies : 5

Status : Available [You may read this title]

PANTHEISM Michael Levine's book is the first comprehensive study of pantheism as a philosophical position. Spinoza's Ethics, finished in 1675, has long been seen as the most complete attempt at explaining and defending pantheism. Historically, however, pantheism has numerous forms and Spinoza's version is best considered as one among many variations on pantheistic themes. Dr. Levine manages to disentangle the concept from Spinoza; this book is a broad philosophical and historical survey of pantheism itself. There is much confusion about what pantheism, this 'form of... non-theistic monotheism', actually is. The early part of the book deals with definitions of pantheism and examines critical distinctions between them. Chapter two is an analysis, both historical and contemporary, of the concept of pantheism. What is 'unity' in pantheism's 'all-inclusive divine unity'? Pantheism is compared to theism in chapter three. In chapter four an account is presented of how some philosophical problems usually associated with theism are to be recast in pantheism and how, if at all, they might be resolved. The later chapters discuss the relationship between belief and practice. What are the religious implications of pantheism in terms of practice? Are there grounds - both philosophical and religious - for believing that pantheism presents the genuine alternative to theism that many contemporary non-theists think it does?

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Quotes

"The book is probably the most complete account of pantheism in any language, written by a highly competent philosopher."

"A welcome addition on the literature on Wittgenstein"

"I strongly recommend this book to any student of Wittgenstein or the philosophy of mathematics. Frascolla's work, like Wittengenstein's philosophy of mathematics, is richer that I have able to suggest in this review, and it is an important contribution to the literature."

"This work can be warmly commended. Levine's enterprising enquiry should stand as an encouragement (or provocation?) to others to address these same issues." - Mark Wynn, Australian Catholic University

"Michael Levine's careful, lucid and fascinating account fills an important gap. For the first time, pantheism receives the patient analytic treatment that has long been accorded to arguments for and against the existence of the gods of the mainstream religions." - Kevin Mulligan, Dept. of Philosophy, University of Geneva

"This book can be commended for dusting down an old idea and showing its relevance to contemporary discussions." - Theology July 95

"This is a rich book. It should be on the bookshelves of anybody interested in philosophy of religion or in natural theology. The book has been written in a highly systematic and professional way."

"This is a fine central text for courses in contemporary pragmatism"

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