Filosofía Fundamental, Tomo IV

A philosophical treatise written in the mid-19th century. The work delves into complex ideas surrounding the concepts of infinity, finitude, and the nature of human understanding and intelligence. Its exploration of these topics reflects a reaction against the materialistic philosophies of the previous century, advocating for a return to metaphysical inquiry and the spiritual aspects of existence. At the start of the text, Balmes critiques the prevailing materialistic philosophy that emerged in the wake of the French Revolution, which reduced human thought and morality to mere states of matter. He discusses the inadequacies of this perspective and illuminates a growing desire among contemporary philosophers to reclaim concepts like the infinite and the absolute, marking a shift toward spiritual and metaphysical considerations. Balmes argues for a nuanced understanding of infinity, emphasizing the need to distinguish between the concepts of infinity and negation. Through these discussions, he establishes the groundwork for deeper philosophical inquiries into existence and the divine.