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{"num_reviews":6,"add_this":[{"service":"facebook","annotation":""},{"service":"email","annotation":""},{"service":"twitter","annotation":""},{"service":"linkedin","annotation":""}],"gtin":null,"show_quantity_on_backorder":true,"id":1693,"can_purchase":true,"meta_description":"Read An Introduction To Philosophy: Perennial Principles of the Classical Realist Tradition by Daniel J. Sullivan, a Catholic book from TAN","category":["Sales/Monthly Promotions/$5 Book Deals","Books/Topic/Church History","Homeschool/By Subject/Philosophy"],"AddThisServiceButtonMeta":"","main_image":{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/1693/13938/an-introduction-to-philosophy-perennial-principles-of-the-classical-realist-tradition__42015.1744045994.jpg?c=1","alt":" An Introduction to Philosophy: Perennial Principles of the Classical Realist Tradition "},"add_to_wishlist_url":"https://tanbooks.com/wishlist.php?action=add&product_id=1693","custom_fields":[{"id":"55438","name":"Author","value":"Daniel J. 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Sullivan &middot; Published by TAN Books</p>\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 1.4rem; margin-top: 2rem;\">Overview</h3>\n<p><em>An Introduction to Philosophy</em> by Daniel J. Sullivan is written for both the general reader and the serious student. Its purpose is not merely to explain technical systems, but to awaken the sense of wonder that Aristotle describes as the beginning of the love of wisdom. With clarity and methodical structure, Sullivan presents the essential elements of philosophy in a way that is accessible without sacrificing depth.</p>\n<p>The book opens with a historical survey, tracing the development of philosophical problems from their earliest origins. It then turns to the more concrete questions concerning man himself before progressing to the more abstract issues of human nature and man&rsquo;s relation to the world. In this ordered progression, readers encounter philosophy not as a scattered collection of theories, but as a coherent and unified pursuit of truth.</p>\n<p>Rooted firmly in the classical realist tradition of Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas, Sullivan highlights principles that remain perennially valid and vital. While maintaining the distinction between natural and revealed wisdom, he demonstrates how philosophical conclusions harmonize with and are elevated by the truths of revelation. The result is a work that shows philosophy to be far more than a classroom discipline. It is an indispensable tool for understanding reality and living well within it.</p>\n<ul style=\"margin: 1.5rem 0; padding-left: 1.25rem;\">\n<li>Study philosophy through a clear and structured historical framework</li>\n<li>Engage both concrete and abstract questions about human nature</li>\n<li>Learn principles from the classical realist tradition</li>\n<li>Understand the relationship between natural reason and revealed truth</li>\n</ul>\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 1.4rem; margin-top: 2rem;\">From the Book</h3>\n<blockquote style=\"font-style: italic; border-left: 4px solid #E2E2E2; background: #fafafa; padding: 1rem; font-size: 1rem; margin: 1rem 0;\">Philosophy begins in wonder and leads the mind toward a disciplined love of wisdom.</blockquote>\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 1.4rem; margin-top: 2rem;\">Intended Audience</h3>\n<p>This book is ideal for college students, homeschool families, parish study groups, and general readers seeking a solid grounding in classical philosophy. It is especially well suited for those interested in the Thomistic and realist traditions.</p>\n<p>It is not a specialized academic monograph, but a structured and accessible introduction designed to form the mind in disciplined reasoning and coherent thought.</p>\n<p>Practical use cases include introductory philosophy courses, personal intellectual formation, and preparation for advanced theological or philosophical study.</p>\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 1.4rem; margin-top: 2rem;\">FAQs</h3>\n<p><strong>Is this book suitable for beginners?</strong><br />Yes. It is written clearly for the general reader while still providing substantial content for serious students.</p>\n<p><strong>Does it follow a particular philosophical school?</strong><br />Yes. It works within the classical realist tradition associated with Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas.</p>\n<p><strong>Does it address theology?</strong><br />While primarily philosophical, it explains how philosophical reasoning complements and harmonizes with revealed truth.</p>\n<div style=\"background: #fafafa; border: 1px solid #E2E2E2; padding: 1.5rem; margin-top: 2rem;\">\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 1.25rem; margin: 0 0 .5rem;\">Key Themes</h3>\n<ul style=\"margin: 0; padding-left: 1.25rem;\">\n<li>Classical realist philosophy</li>\n<li>Historical development of philosophical thought</li>\n<li>Human nature and metaphysics</li>\n<li>Natural reason and revealed wisdom</li>\n<li>The love of wisdom</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n</section>","show_backorder_message":true,"tags":[],"warranty":"","price":{"without_tax":{"formatted":"$5.00","value":5,"currency":"USD"},"tax_label":"Tax","sale_price_without_tax":{"formatted":"$5.00","value":5,"currency":"USD"},"non_sale_price_without_tax":{"formatted":"$24.95","value":24.95,"currency":"USD"},"rrp_without_tax":{"formatted":"$24.95","value":24.95,"currency":"USD"},"saved":{"formatted":"$19.95","value":19.95,"currency":"USD"}},"height":"8.50","detail_messages":"","availability":"","page_title":"An Introduction To Philosophy: Perennial Principles of the Classical Realist Tradition","cart_url":"https://tanbooks.com/cart.php","show_backorder_availability_prompt":true,"max_purchase_quantity":0,"show_quantity_on_hand":true,"mpn":null,"upc":"9780895554697","options":[{"id":5176,"type":"Configurable_PickList_Set","display_name":"Format","required":true,"state":"variant_option","partial":"set-rectangle","condition":true,"values":[{"id":10202,"label":"Paperbound","selected":true,"data":"Paperbound"},{"id":10203,"label":"eBook","selected":false,"data":"eBook"}]}],"related_products":[{"id":2366,"sku":"TE3655","name":"An Introduction to Philosophy (eBook)","url":"https://tanbooks.com/products/books/an-introduction-to-philosophy-ebook/","availability":"","rating":0,"brand":null,"category":["Sales/Monthly Promotions/$5 Book Deals","eBooks"],"summary":"An Introduction to Philosophy by Daniel J. 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","text":"Gifts ? ","date":"Oct 10th 2023"},{"name":"Christian Treat","rating":"5","title":"Fascinating perspective","text":"This book offers fascinating perspectives of life, God, and the universe as a whole. I will cherish this resource for years to come. Highly recommend.","date":"Sep 21st 2023"},{"name":"Dr. K.","rating":"5","title":"This 1957 masterpiece can help beleaguered conservative and pro-life people in 2023 understand how leftists attempt to destroy contemporary society.","text":"Though brief for an introduction to a major field of study (280 pages of text, followed by extensive reading lists and an index), Sullivans work takes time to read, digest, and understand, so prepare at least a month for delving into his summary of 2,500 years of Western philosophy.\n\nThe presence of an index is a major benefit. As many TAN Books customers know, works published by this firm often do not have indices, making it extremely difficult for students and faculty to conduct research without wasting time flipping through pages.","date":"May 24th 2023"},{"name":"Michael L.","rating":"5","title":"A Great Beginning!","text":"In a world of &quot;I think; therefore it is,&quot; a return to classical realism is called for. To recover sanity, we must get out of our heads and seek what is real. This introduction is a great beginning on this journey. I highly recommend it to all seekers of God&#039;s face in creation. Let;s call it a &quot;wake-up call&quot; for the Woke.","date":"Aug 4th 2022"},{"name":"George F.","rating":"5","title":"An Introduction to Philosophy: Perennial Principles of the Classical Realist Tradition","text":"Clear, concise, and very readable.\nSolid intro text for the layman.","date":"Jun 22nd 2022"}]},"bulk_discount_rates":[],"meta_keywords":"Humankind,Aristotle,Aquinas","show_quantity_input":true,"title":"An Introduction to Philosophy: Perennial Principles of the Classical Realist Tradition","gift_wrapping_available":false,"min_purchase_quantity":0,"customizations":[],"images":[{"data":"https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-iuax7bpgx3/images/stencil/{:size}/products/1693/13938/an-introduction-to-philosophy-perennial-principles-of-the-classical-realist-tradition__42015.1744045994.jpg?c=1","alt":" An Introduction to Philosophy: Perennial Principles of the Classical Realist Tradition "}],"width":"5.50"}

An Introduction to Philosophy: Perennial Principles of the Classical Realist Tradition

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An Introduction to Philosophy

By Daniel J. Sullivan · Published by TAN Books

Overview

An Introduction to Philosophy by Daniel J. Sullivan is written for both the general reader and the serious student. Its purpose is not merely to explain technical systems, but to awaken the sense of wonder that Aristotle describes as the beginning of the love of wisdom. With clarity and methodical structure, Sullivan presents the essential elements of philosophy in a way that is accessible without sacrificing depth.

The book opens with a historical survey, tracing the development of philosophical problems from their earliest origins. It then turns to the more concrete questions concerning man himself before progressing to the more abstract issues of human nature and man’s relation to the world. In this ordered progression, readers encounter philosophy not as a scattered collection of theories, but as a coherent and unified pursuit of truth.

Rooted firmly in the classical realist tradition of Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas, Sullivan highlights principles that remain perennially valid and vital. While maintaining the distinction between natural and revealed wisdom, he demonstrates how philosophical conclusions harmonize with and are elevated by the truths of revelation. The result is a work that shows philosophy to be far more than a classroom discipline. It is an indispensable tool for understanding reality and living well within it.

  • Study philosophy through a clear and structured historical framework
  • Engage both concrete and abstract questions about human nature
  • Learn principles from the classical realist tradition
  • Understand the relationship between natural reason and revealed truth

From the Book

Philosophy begins in wonder and leads the mind toward a disciplined love of wisdom.

Intended Audience

This book is ideal for college students, homeschool families, parish study groups, and general readers seeking a solid grounding in classical philosophy. It is especially well suited for those interested in the Thomistic and realist traditions.

It is not a specialized academic monograph, but a structured and accessible introduction designed to form the mind in disciplined reasoning and coherent thought.

Practical use cases include introductory philosophy courses, personal intellectual formation, and preparation for advanced theological or philosophical study.

FAQs

Is this book suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is written clearly for the general reader while still providing substantial content for serious students.

Does it follow a particular philosophical school?
Yes. It works within the classical realist tradition associated with Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas.

Does it address theology?
While primarily philosophical, it explains how philosophical reasoning complements and harmonizes with revealed truth.

Key Themes

  • Classical realist philosophy
  • Historical development of philosophical thought
  • Human nature and metaphysics
  • Natural reason and revealed wisdom
  • The love of wisdom
Author:
Daniel J. Sullivan
Imprint:
TAN Books
Pages:
312
Publication Date:
1/1/1957
Product Format:
Paperbound
Pdf:
https://tanbooks.com/content/AnIntroductionToPhilosophy_Preview.pdf
Height:
8.50
Width:
5.50

6 Reviews

  • 5
    The Incredible Catholic Mass

    Posted by Joyce Smith on Jun 25th 2025

    I have not finished but I love all that God has given us and everything that is in the Mass and was …

    Read More
  • 5
    Gifts ?

    Posted by Jeanice domec on Oct 10th 2023

    Gifts ?

  • 5
    Fascinating perspective

    Posted by Christian Treat on Sep 21st 2023

    This book offers fascinating perspectives of life, God, and the universe as a whole. I will cherish …

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  • 5
    This 1957 masterpiece can help beleaguered conservative and pro-life people in 2023 understand how leftists attempt to destroy contemporary society.

    Posted by Dr. K. on May 24th 2023

    Though brief for an introduction to a major field of study (280 pages of text, followed by extensive…

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  • 5
    A Great Beginning!

    Posted by Michael L. on Aug 4th 2022

    In a world of "I think; therefore it is," a return to classical realism is called for. To …

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  • 5
    An Introduction to Philosophy: Perennial Principles of the Classical Realist Tradition

    Posted by George F. on Jun 22nd 2022

    Clear, concise, and very readable. Solid intro text for the layman.