Herman Dooyeweerd and Eric Voegelin: A Comparative Study(No. 79 Studies in History of Philosophy S.)

This study provides an introduction to two of the twentieth century's most significant philosophers, Herman Dooyeweerd and Eric Voegelin. Dooyeweerd and Voegelin provided a new, deeper understanding of history and philosophy. They were early interpreters of the crisis of modern humanism, exposing its contradictions and uncovering its fundamental, spiritual problems. They both re-described philosophy itself as depending upon something deeper than human autonomy. Dooyeweerd demonstrated that all philosophizing was shaped by the commitment of the human heart and Voegelin showed that all philosophizing was a reflection on one's deeper experiences of transcendence. Throughout their work they both consistently emphasized the limits of humanity. Despite these similarities, Dooyeweerd and Voegelin came from different religious traditions, they never met, spoke different languages, lived in different countries, and with the exception of one passing reference, never made mention of the other's work. Dooyeweerd was a Christian philosopher, and Voegelin a Classical philosopher. Despite their significance, Dooyeweerd and Voegelin are largely unknown in part because there are few introductions to their works and no introductions to both of them. The purpose of this book is to provide an introduction to these two significant philosophers. "relatively few people have studied both Dooyeweerd and Voegelin and even fewer who have written about them in a comparative fashion. This book is, in that regard, unique."

Review :
"Herman Dooyeweerd and Eric Voegelin were remarkable twentieth-century philosophers. It also happens to be the case that their works are remarkably difficult to read. This book represents David Van Heemst's effort to read the two giants in a way that gives students introductory access to them. The author's method includes frequent extended quotations from their works, thus allowing the reader to get acquainted with the language and arguments of the philosophers themselves. There are relatively few people who have studied both Dooyeweerd and Voegelin and even fewer who have written about them in a comparative fashion. This book is, in that regard, unique... Not everyone is called to the study of philosophy or to other kinds of theoretical thought, but for those who do pursue that calling, Dooyeweerd and Voegelin should not be missed." - (from the Commendatory Preface) James W. Skillen (Ph.D., Duke University), President of the Center for Public Justice, Annapolis, Maryland "This study facilitates the readers' understanding and internalization of the philosophy of Voegelin and Dooyeweerd. Dr. Van Heemst gives an excellent scholarly introduction to the eminent philosophers. Readers often have great difficulty in understanding these intellectual giants. The complex diction the great minds utilize makes grasping their insights arduous. Van Heemst assists readers in really grasping the concepts the philosophers present... Van Heemst not only compares Voegelin and Dooyeweerd; he also shows how they mirror each other. Beyond understanding current society, though, students need to integrate the insights gained from this study into their worldviews, developing a philosophical mind and as Dooyeweerd suggests a thoroughly Christian view. Van Heemst, in his instructive manner, forms the bridge between understanding concepts and gaining practical wisdom applicable to one's life. He helps students apply the philosophy to their lives and worldviews. Van Heemst's method of challenging students to bring their own insights and experiences to their encounters with the philosophers is the best way for students to increase their wisdom" - Bob Goudzwaard, Retired Professor of Economics and Cultural Philosophy, Free University, Amsterdam"