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The Last Superstition: A Refutation Of The New Atheism (2008)

by Edward Feser(Favorite Author)

4.21 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

1587314517 (ISBN13: 9781587314513)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

St. Augustines Press

review 1: Ed Feser is perhaps the most entertaining philosopher you can read today. With humor and a take-no-prisoners style that is as polemic as the "new atheists" he is refuting, Feser takes down the scientists-wanna-be-philosophers of the day in The Last Superstition. Along the way, you are treated to an excellent overview of philosophy and an understanding as to how all the modern philosophies - whether scientism, materialism, nominalism, conceptualism, or dualism - fail to hold up to serious logical scrutiny, while the perennial philosophy of Aristotle and the Scholastics still holds fast as the best metaphysical view to be proposed. Feser is one smart guy; in fact he is so erudite that I would advise multiple readings of his work to cement understanding, as parts of his di... morescussion can become pretty abstract and somewhat difficult. I intend to return to "The Last Superstition" with joy in the future. What detracts from "The Last Superstition"? Paradoxically, the entertaining and polemic style that I lauded at the beginning is perhaps also somewhat of a weakness. I enjoy strong argument, but at times Feser breaks a little far to the point of being uncharitable to his adversaries, which is unfortunate because it makes it difficult to use this book to pass on to your atheist friends...I fear they would be a little too turned off by some over-the-top insults. Secondly, there are too many instances of the term "more on this later." The author has a tendency to get ahead of himself and then continually promise that the thought will be expounded later (a promise which is at least kept). This is probably more of an editorial fault than that of the author...a good editor would catch and correct. But these are just minor issues that don't take anything away from my strong recommendation of this book to any lay student of philosophy or those looking for a definitive, and intellectually sound, refutation of the new atheists.Well done Mr. Feser. I also strongly recommend Feser's book on Aquinas. I haven't read his "Philosophy of Mind" but plan to get to it soon.
review 2: Feser does a great job contrasting Aristotelian/Thomistic Philosophy vs. Modern/Newtonian/Mechanical Philosophy, and what follows from the denial of the former and acceptance of the latter. Feser claims that the abandonment of Aristotelianism,viz., Aristotle's metaphysic, was the single greatest intellectual mistake in Western thought. The book explains why this is true.Despite the difficulty of subject matter, I found the book fairly accessible. Although, much attention and focus is required. Feser is a clear writer (and thinker), and makes grand use of wit and ridicule, particularly when it comes to addressing most if not all of those statements made or written by Richard Dawkins and Co. Some have criticized Feser on this point, believing that he should have taken a more gentle tone with the New Atheist crowd. I disagree. Ridicule is sometimes necessary when it comes to addressing foolishness. less

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