The Ethics of St. Thomas Aquinas
Happiness, Natural Law, and the Virtues
Format:Paperback
Publisher:The Catholic University of America Press
Published:30th Jan '19
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
The far reaching changes in man's social and personal life taking place in our lifetime underline the need for a sound ethical evaluation of our rights and duties and of human behaviour both on the individual level and in the political society. On many issues judgments of value vary widely and a consultation of the thought of Thomas Aquinas on the basic questions will be helpful, the more since he is not only one of the greatest philosophers but also succeeded in integrating in his moral philosophy the wisdom of the ancients, in particular of Aristotle and the Stoa. This book presents Aquinas's thought on such central questions as man's happiness, how to determine the morality of our actions, the natural law and the main virtues, as well as on the common good, war, human labour, love and friendship. Throughout the book the intellectual character of this moral philosophy is pointed out and problems are set in a historical perspective.
Leo J. Elders has extensive and impressive experience in teaching and researching the ethical thought of Thomas Aquinas...could help direct students to struggle more directly with what is probably the most complex and subtle treatment of the subject to be encountered anywhere.""—Philosophy in Review
""Elders brings to his study an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the history of philosophy. Although he advises his readers not to look for any novel interpretations of Thomas, the book is full of surprises. Time and again, he offers a concise history of the moral issue under consideration...A more authoritative introduction to the moral philosophy of Aquinas is not likely to be found. In fact, it is a delight to read.""—Review of Metaphysics
""Elders unites the wealth of material into a reliable exposition of Aquinas's ethical thought that can serve as an excellent help to undergraduate students. Its detail and breadth of learning also make it valuable reading for graduate students. Father Elders has done a great favor in reminding us that a commentary on the moral section of the Summa Theologiae for those 'who restrict themselves to a purely philosophical approach' can indeed assist us in seeking 'the beauty of a life according to the virtues.'""—Thomist
ISBN: 9780813231983
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 448g
316 pages