How To Read Aquinas

This insightful work examines Aquinas's teachings and methods, encouraging critical questioning and exploration of timeless philosophical truths in How To Read Aquinas.

In How To Read Aquinas, Timothy McDermott delves into the teachings of Thomas Aquinas, a prominent thirteenth-century philosopher and theologian. By examining Aquinas's approach to education, McDermott reveals how Aquinas emphasized the importance of questioning and reason in the pursuit of truth. Rather than relying solely on authority, Aquinas encouraged his students to engage critically with ideas, fostering a deeper understanding of complex concepts that remain relevant today.

The book explores various themes central to Aquinas's thought, such as the interplay between regularity and chance in nature, the relationship between mind and matter, and the nature of freedom and moral obligation. McDermott also addresses significant existential questions, including suffering, evil, hope, and the implications of faith and love in a contemporary context. Through these discussions, How To Read Aquinas invites readers to reflect on the foundational truths that shape our understanding of the world.

Moreover, McDermott incorporates extracts from Aquinas's classroom disputations and his key works, including the Summa Contra Gentiles and the Summa Theologiae. These texts serve as a window into Aquinas's method of reasoning and dialogue, allowing modern readers to engage with his ideas in a meaningful way. Ultimately, How To Read Aquinas is not just an exploration of a historical figure but a guide for those seeking to grapple with the enduring questions of existence and faith.