Can finite humans grasp universal truth? Is it possible to think beyond the limits of reason? Are we doomed to failure because of our finitude? In this clear and accessible book, Barnabas Aspray presents Ricœur's response to these perennial philosophical questions through an analysis of human finitude at the intersection of philosophy and theology. Using unpublished and previously untranslated archival sources, he shows how Ricœur's groundbreaking concept of symbols leads to a view of creation, not as a theological doctrine, but as a mystery beyond the limits of thought that gives rise to philosophical insight. If finitude is created, then it can be distinguished from both the Creator and evil, leading to a view of human existence that, instead of the 'anguish of no' proclaims the 'joy of yes.'

‘With Ricœur at the Limits of Philosophy, Barnabas Aspray brings Ricœur clearly and directly into debate with contemporary philosophy. The question of finitude in its relation to finite and infinite is a crucial issue in twentieth-century thought. By reading the French philosopher also as a theologian, the author shows that created finitude cannot be reduced to finitude as commonly described. Based on rarely seen correspondence (especially with Gabriel Marcel) and less well-known authors (Pierre Thévenaz), this work fills a gap in Ricœur studies, using the philosopher’s early works to inaugurate new frontiers between philosophy and theology. An indispensable book.’

Emmanuel Falque - Catholic University of Paris

‘This lucidly written and deeply informed book provides a new perspective on a rarely examined area of Paul Ricœur’s important work, namely his earliest texts before the ‘hermeneutic turn’. Aspray’s study is a significant contribution to our understanding of one of the twentieth century’s richest and most fruitful philosophical approaches.’

Christina Gschwandtner - Fordham University

‘Paul Ricœur is one of the most important French philosophers of the later twentieth century - distinctive and significant not least because of his sympathetic engagement with theological themes. In this beautifully clear and insightful study, we are shown the development of Ricœur’s intellectual agenda through his encounters with the conflicting styles of French thought. This is a model of how a monograph in intellectual history should be written, and a major contribution to our understanding of the frontiers of religion and philosophy.’

Rowan Williams - University of Cambridge

‘… Aspray has given us an excellent treatment of the early Ricoeur.’

Brian Gregor Source: The Heythrop Journal