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An in-depth study of the thought of contemporary Spanish philosopher Julian Marias, in the context of Ortega y Gasset and his times and twentieth-century Spanish culture.
In A Watch Over Mortality Harold Raley offers the English-speaking world Julián Marías's compelling alternatives to contemporary minimalist thought, and does so in a dynamic style that itself reflects the humane spirit and verve of what may well prove to be the most innovative philosophy of modern times. Here for the first time Marías's philosophy is revealed in its full historical depth, its many interrelated levels, its fascinating aperçus, and its real or possible applicability to many humanistic disciplines.
In order to do justice to Marías and his way of thinking, Raley narrates the evolution of this philosophy from early antecedents in Germanic and Ortegan phenomenology to Marías's own original contributions. For this reason A Watch Over Mortality is not only a book about Marías but also about Ortega y Gasset and his times, about twentieth-century Spanish culture, and, ultimately, about the nature of Spain itself. The book is itself an exercise in the very method and style of the philosophy it explicates.
"Well written and well thought out, this book brings us up to date on Marías by including the latest (and concluding) items in his substantial corpus of works. Author Harold Raley does for Marías what Marías tried to do for Ortega y Gasset, except that he does it better. He explicates, clarifies, justifies, and defines Marías's thought as a whole in the context of his life and his long-term relation to Ortega. His grasp of the issues is confident and convincing; his style is lucid and readable." —John T. Graham, University of Missouri, Kansas City
"What I like most about this book is its lucidity, comprehensives, sympathy, and up-to-dateness. The problem-set dealt with Marias and the particular applications thereof, which are well presented and developed in context by the author, are right at the center of contemporary thought: rationalism vs. irrationalism, phenomenology and existentialism, feminism, etc. It identifies possible or alternative ways of examining and resolving these questions by faithful descriptive analysis and radicalization. The book has a novel-like quality which permits the author to write with style and achieve moments of depth and nonsuperfluous elegance." — Jorge Garcia-Gomez, Long Island University
"Marias continues a tradition in philosophy that is little known yet vital for English-speaking philosophers to know about. This book is a splendid continuation of the tradition I consider so important." — Howard N. Tuttle, University of New Mexico
Introduction to a New Philosophy
Part I: Marías and His Philosophical Circumstances
1. The Biographical Setting
2. Circumstance and Vocation
3. Metaphysical Reality and the Theory of Generations
4. The Generations of Marías
Part II: Metaphysical Anthropology
5. The Discovery of Bodily Life
6. Men and Women
7. Love and Human Finalities
Part III: The Second Voyage
8. Christian Questions
9. Understanding Spain
10. In Consideration of Women
11. The Pursuit of Happiness
12. A Life Recalled
Conclusion: A Watch Over Mortality
Notes
Works Cited
Index