Studien Und Texte Zur Geistesgeschichte Des Mittelalters, Medieval Philosophy and the Transcendentals: The Case of Thomas Aquinas (Studies in Islamic Law and Society) [Hardcover]

Jan Aertsen (Author), J. a. Aertsen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2004 | Series: Studies in Islamic Law and Society (Book 52)

Students of Thomas Aquinas have so far lacked a comprehensive study of his doctrine of the transcendentals. This volume fills this lacuna, showing the fundamental character of the notions of being, one, true and good for his thought. The book inquires into the beginnings of the doctrine in the thirteenth century and explains the relation of the transcendental way of thought to Aquinas's conception of metaphysics. It analyzes "Being," "One," "True," "Good" and "Beautiful" individually and discusses their importance for the philosophical knowledge of God. "Medieval Philosophy and the Transcendentals: The Case of Thomas Aquinas" is intended as a contribution to the question "What is philosophy in the Middle Ages?." It argues that the doctrine of the transcendentals is essential for understanding medieval philosophy.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'..".an impressive and informative venture not to be passed over by any serious student of Thomas, metaphysics, or the history of philosophy.'
John Tomarchio, "The Thomist, 1999.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 468 pages
• Publisher: Brill Academic Publishers (March 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9004105859
• ISBN-13: 978-9004105850
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,911,130 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book Ever, September 3, 2008

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This review is from: Studien Und Texte Zur Geistesgeschichte Des Mittelalters, Medieval Philosophy and the Transcendentals: The Case of Thomas Aquinas (Studies in Islamic Law and Society) (Hardcover)

This is the best book ever.

It takes some (ever ancient and ever new) observations about the nature of any science the subject matter and the proper attributes and makes the case that the second (and final?) development in Metaphysics could only occur in a short space of 75 years, culminating in Aquinas's reflections.

It makes Kant's Transcendentalism look not only thin but weak.

It explores the character of Beauty and although denying it a place among the Transcendentals gives it a place involving in some way in Practical Action. To my mind its as if Beauty was the Practical Transcendental - a foretaste in the mind of the more complete delight in the Good. Though of course Aertsen doesn't claim this explicitly.

I recommend it especially to the Arts Community especially because Aesthetes are the ones who need it most. Those philosophers who want to breathe the clear fresh air of being (Esse) and delve into the nature of Ens, Res, Unum, etc will find it a welcome break from talking away being.

Maybe now is not the time...but a choice between empty or full being still needs to be urged. This book is step toward the fullness of being.