
Strange, Surprising, Sure
Essays in Uncommon Philosophy
Robert Cummings Neville(Author)
State University of New York Press
Published on 2. April 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
375 pages
978-1-4384-9962-8 (ISBN)
Description
Accessible and wide-ranging essays on the philosophy of religion.
In Strange, Surprising, Sure, Robert Cummings Neville presents a theory of being, change, and value, and engages other philosophers who deal with these concepts. The book's central thesis is that the entire created world includes everything determinate, and thus the creator does not exist within creation. Strangely, this reverses nearly everything in the Western tradition. Surprisingly, this thesis is approached from a great many angles, all of which are within the Western, South Asian, or East Asian traditions. Surely put, this thesis will win out in the long run. Although Neville writes for an English-reading audience, he engages with thinkers from all these traditions."
In Strange, Surprising, Sure, Robert Cummings Neville presents a theory of being, change, and value, and engages other philosophers who deal with these concepts. The book's central thesis is that the entire created world includes everything determinate, and thus the creator does not exist within creation. Strangely, this reverses nearly everything in the Western tradition. Surprisingly, this thesis is approached from a great many angles, all of which are within the Western, South Asian, or East Asian traditions. Surely put, this thesis will win out in the long run. Although Neville writes for an English-reading audience, he engages with thinkers from all these traditions."
Reviews / Votes
"Robert Neville is a singular figure in American philosophy. At a time when few believe it possible or productive to undertake a truly systematic approach to philosophical reflection, Neville has consistently shown us how it can and should be done. He is deeply engaged in contemporary conversations about purely philosophical issues, but also about the implications his philosophy has for contemporary social, theological, and more broadly, religious reflection. I can think of almost no one who has his range, and this collection of essays will serve as a helpful and accessible introduction to the scale and scope of his vision." - Warren G. Frisina, Hofstra University"The ontological creative act is Robert Neville's key hypothesis, familiar to his many readers. But here it is presented with more lucidity than any place else. I like best of all the comparative dimension he brings to his study of philosophy and religion." - Nancy Frankenberry, Dartmouth College
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Albany, NY
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
US School Grade: College Graduate Student and over
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
609 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4384-9962-8 (9781438499628)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
10/2024
1st Edition
De Gruyter
from
€88.99
Available for download
Person
Robert Cummings Neville is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, Religion, and Theology at Boston University. His many books include Metaphysics of Goodness: Harmony and Form, Beauty and Art, Obligation and Personhood, Flourishing and Civilization, also published by SUNY Press.
Content
The Painter's Contribution
Preface
Prologue
Part One: Philosophy
1. Being-Itself
2. Eternity
3. Aesthetics
4. Experience
5. Emergence
6. Indeterminacy
7. Wisdom
8. Shallow Roots
9. Pragmatism and Confucianism
10. Philosophy
Part Two: Philosophers
11. On Josiah Royce
12. On Alfred North Whitehead
13. On Robert Corrington
14. On Stefan Alkier
15. On Nancy Frankenberry
16. On Charles Taylor
17. On Ray L. Hart
18. On Wesley Wildman
Notes
Index
Preface
Prologue
Part One: Philosophy
1. Being-Itself
2. Eternity
3. Aesthetics
4. Experience
5. Emergence
6. Indeterminacy
7. Wisdom
8. Shallow Roots
9. Pragmatism and Confucianism
10. Philosophy
Part Two: Philosophers
11. On Josiah Royce
12. On Alfred North Whitehead
13. On Robert Corrington
14. On Stefan Alkier
15. On Nancy Frankenberry
16. On Charles Taylor
17. On Ray L. Hart
18. On Wesley Wildman
Notes
Index