Thomas Aquinas: Selected Writings (Penguin Classics) [Paperback]

Thomas Aquinas (Author), Ralph McInerny (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1999

In his reflections on Christianity, Saint Thomas Aquinas forged a unique synthesis of ancient philosophy and medieval theology. Preoccupied with the relationship between faith and reason, he was influenced both by Aristotle's rational world view and by the powerful belief that wisdom and truth can ultimately only be reached through divine revelation. Thomas' writings, which contain highly influential statements of fundamental Christian doctrine, as well as observations on topics as diverse as political science, anti-Semitism and heresy, demonstrate the great range of his intellect and place him firmly among the greatest medieval philosophers.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Latin

About the Author

Thomas Aquinas (1225-74) was an Italian philosopher and Dominican friar. Ralph McInerny is Professor of Medieval Studies at the University of Notre Dame. Pre-eminent as a Thomas scholar, his many books include Aquinas Against the Averroists & A First Glance at St Thomas Aquinas.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 850 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140436324
• ISBN-13: 978-0140436327
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,259 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > Literature & Fiction > History & Criticism > Movements & Periods

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

83 of 86 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Compilation Work, August 25, 2000

By 

T. B. Vick "T.B.V." - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thomas Aquinas: Selected Writings (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

This is a compilation of works written by Aquinas. The book is edited by Ralph McInerny (Notre Dame) and contains all the important works of Aquinas. For instance, some of the works (or parts of works) included are: On Being and Essence, Theology, Faith, and Reason. On Boethius, The Meanings of Truth, On Creation, On Human Choice, On Law and Natural Law, The Virtues, The Logic of the Incarnation, Exposition of Paul's Epistle to Philemon, and much, much more. Moreover, McInerny includes a nice introduction that discusses Aquinas's life, works, and the impact of Thomism through the centuries. There is also a Chronology that includes important dates and events. This book is 841 pages of total Thomas. It is a great work to have if you are wanting to simply read some of the more important works by Aquinas or if you are wanting to dig a little deeper into the works of Aquinas. ... I highly recommend this book.

72 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Theological Godzilla!, November 8, 2001

By 

Kendal B. Hunter (Provo, UT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thomas Aquinas: Selected Writings (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

First of all, I am not Roman Catholic, but a memeber of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so I have a bias--in the other direction!

However, my denominational difference does not diminish my burning admiration for this theological Godzilla. Gov. Jesse Ventura once commented that religion was for weak-minded people. I don't think "The Body" could last two rounds against "The Dumb Ox." In fact, I would prefer Aquinas over Socrates, Plato, and Aristoltle . . . combined!

This book is the best survey of this Catholic's corpulent corpus of comentary. Included are ample slices of the Summa Contra Gentile and Summa theologica, including selections from his essays on Law and Happiness. Another gem is a selection from Aquinas's comments on Boethius's "On The Trinity."

The selections cross the time and space of Aquinas's life, but morte importantly you get a cross-secton of his thought on everything.

I would reccomed this book to any good Catholic, or any curious non-Catholic. It is also useful for philosophy students, and honest truth-seekers everywhere.

ONLY ONE MISTAKE: Ralph McInerny left out "The Five Ways" of the proof of God's existence. This is like doing a boigraphy on George Lucas and not mentioning Star Wars! An unforgiveable sin! Hence, I took one star off my rating.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Anthology of St. Thomas Aquinas' Thought, May 25, 2007

By 

James E. Egolf "James E. Egolf, MA" (Florida) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thomas Aquinas: Selected Writings (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

Ralph McInerny's edition of St. Thomas Aquinas' thought is a good introduction for anyone who is interesting in one of the great Catholic and Christian thinkers. Mr. McInerny has good comments on Aquinas'life and intellectual foundations. These selections provide good coverage of Aquinas' views on several important issues such as the nature of God and the nature of Man.

Some of McInerny's selections of Aguinas' work includes selections from Aquinas' SUMMA THEOLOGICA and his SUMMA CONTRA GENTILES. These selections give the reader a good introduction before one tackles the entire corpus of these works.

Another useful feature of McInerny's edition are the selections of Aquinas' views on "ultimate values and questions." For example, Aquinas' view on Man as God's creation is representative of Aquinas' concern for the dignity men. This selection is a good antidote to the arguement of predestination. In fact, based on McInerny's selection, Aquinas thought more of men and gave men more dignity than any 19th or 20th pllitical leader ever has. The mass destruction of people during the 20th century may reminder that Aquinas ideas are important.

One question that Aquinas dealt with was the Nature of God. Aquinas handled this issue with precision and care. McInerny's inclusion of this section is good in that it shows Aquinas as a serious thinker who was not arrogant. In other words, Aquinas never claimed more than he could prove,and he was honest enough to admit this.

For those who are devout Catholics, McIreney included a sermon Aquinas delivered a thoughtful sermon on the Ava Maria and the status of the Virgin Mary. Aquinas justifies the Catholic belief and devotion to St. Mary based on his careful knowledge of the Bible. Aquinas informs the reader the saluation given to St. Mary is the most dignified in the Bible. For those who are not Catholic, this reviewer's comments to convince interested readers, but those who are not Catholic can learn why the status of St. Mary (Notre Dame or Our Lady) is so important to Catholicism.

McInerney has other selections of Free Will or choice, the nature of good vs. evil, the Sacraments, etc. McIrenery's use of these materials and Aquinas' work on these topics well defines Catholic beliefs and gives a rational bassis for them.

Bascially, McInerny edited a good introducion to Aquinas' thinking which is a welcome relief in "an age of cheap religion and thin philosophy." Readers would also do well to read Mr. Hunter's review which is very good. A good companion volume is G.K. Chesterton's book re St. Thomas Aquinas. Catholics and non-Catholics can benefit from McInerny's anthology to have a better understanding of Catholicism and Christianity. This book gives good reasons which may replace blind faith.