Background
Ottaviano, Carmelo was born on January 18, 1906 in Modica, Sicily.
Ottaviano, Carmelo was born on January 18, 1906 in Modica, Sicily.
Ottaviano’s work begins with a closely argUed Cr*ticism of the interior contradictions of ideallsm. The existence of the real world is demonstrated as coexisting with the self and reality is aPprchendcd by the subjective mediation of direct contact. Finite entities in the process of becoming are shown to have to posit their existence in space and time. An examination of the negative reality of space and time reveals the way in which that leads to the sense of the tragedy of finite existence, whence theology gets involved with philosophy. God, in willing creation, forsees the gradual selfelevation of finite beings into a superior order. The supernatural is that which makes the finite finite, and liberates it from the tragic involvement with space and time by the spiritualization of the body. Given the importance of the spiritualization of the body, the incarnation should return to the centre of our speculations and Christian dogma should be given a more convincing defence. Ottaviano’s work also contains an analysis of the connection between grace and free will, ethical analyses of duty and virtue and remarks on the pedagogical implications of his work.