ebrown2's Full Review: Paul Sigmund - St. Thomas Aquinas on Politics and ...
There has been a growing reaction against moral relativism and subjectivism in academic philosophy, which has been coupled with an increasing interest in natural law theory and the life and work of one of its great champions, Thomas Aquinas. One of the principle difficulties in studying his work is that it employs a rigor unlike that of modern academic logical formalism, one which strives for rhetorical fairness at the expense of the facile technobabble which infects much of modern Anglo-American philosophy. However, Aquinas is his own best introduction for those willing to make the effort, and this slim volume is well-designed for those wishing to start understanding the greatest philosopher of the Middle Ages
This work is a compilation of selections from the SUMMAS and ON KINGSHIP.
Under the excellent editorship of Paul E. Sigmund, not only is Aquinas's political and ethical thought explored, but it is organically related back to his Christianity. This makes the book an excellent introduction to Thomistic thought in toto. Relevant selections from Aristotle, St. Augustine and Dionysius the Areopagite are also presented in order to illustrate the context of his thought.
Like other works in the Norton Critical Editions, this book provides a selection of critical essays and selections on Aquinas from Leo XIII and Pius XI to Kai Nielsen. Perhaps the most gratifying excerpt is Dr. Mortimer Adler's taking of Bill (Mr. H-Bomb the little girl himself) Moyers to task on the subject of ethical relativism. All in all, this is a most satisfying starting place to study the Angelic Doctor, and, at $11.40 on Amazon.com, a fairly inexpensive one as well. It is also a fine resource for more advanced students, especially considering the quality of the secondary sources included.
The textbook, Saint Thomas Aquinas on Politics and Ethics, by Saint Thomas Aquinas, available in Paperback. Published by: W.W. Norton & Co.. Editio...More at Textbooks.com
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