MACON, Ga. – Dr. Creighton Rosental, associate professor and chair of philosophy, wrote a book titled, “Lessons from Aquinas – A Resolution of the Problem of Faith and Reason.” The book was published by Mercer University Press in 2011.
Rosental, who has taught at Mercer for 10 years, said he was drawn to Aquinas because he wanted more insight into the philosopher's Medieval perspective on reason and science.
“I was trying to understand exactly why the Early Modern philosophers and scientists of the 17th century (Galileo, Descartes, etc.) had a problem with this view,” Rosental said. “As I studied Aquinas, I became drawn to his very considered and detailed views that resolved the tension between faith and reason.”
Upon further study, Rosental noticed that there was little research presented on Aquinas' views on faith and reason and their relationship to one another. “I realized that Aquinas' resolution offered a new approach that wasn't being considered by either side of the debate and could offer a productive way to bring the faith and science camps together,” Rosental said.
Rosental earned his undergraduate degree from Harvey Mudd College and his Master's degree from Claremont Graduate University. In 2000, he was a visiting scholar at Cornell University and later earned his doctorate at the University of Massachusetts.
For more information about his book, including ways to purchase it, visit www.mupress.org.
