The Prudence of Love

The book is clearly written and well-organized.... Recommended. * CHOICE, July 2010 *
This is an interesting, clearly written and broad ranging account of love as a virtue which benefits its possessor, inspired by Aquinas. As well as a plausible positive view, it offers an excellent critique of several contemporary accounts of love. -- Christine Swanton, The University of Auckland
In this wise and humane book, Eric Silverman examines the virtue of love and the benefits of having this virtue. Silverman weaves medieval and contemporary philosophical perspectives on love, happiness and well-being together with empirical research to defend a neo-Thomistic account of love and to argue that the virtue of love benefits its possessor in a variety of ways. Notably, his case does not assume an objective theory of well-being like those of the ancients and medievals. A welcome corrective in an age that too often regards concern for others as a sacrifice, this is a balanced and lucid treatment of love and well-being that will that will edify both philosophers and social scientists. -- Daniel M. Haybron, Saint Louis University
Should humans want to be charitable? How should we understand our relationships? What does loving God and our neighbor concretely involve? Exploring such questions in dialogue with an impressive array of contemporary philosophers, Silverman argues for a Thomistic account of charity that exhibits love's benefits for the lover. In superbly readable prose, Silverman reintroduces us to the beauty of charity. This book bodes well for the renewal of philosophy's role in shaping the good life. -- Matthew Levering, University of Dayton