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Nature as Reason: A Thomistic Theory of the Natural Law Paperback – December 20, 2004

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Jean Porter (Author)
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Product Details

  • Paperback: 432 pages
  • Publisher: Eerdmans; First edition (December 20, 2004)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0802849067
  • ISBN-13: 978-0802849069
  • Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 1 x 9.2 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #408,221 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5.0 out of 5 starsLooking ahead by looking back
By Julie Balamut on July 14, 2005
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
After reading this book twice, I've come to the conclusion that Dr. Porter is on to something that the rest of us mere mortals can find useful in our understanding of natural law and the compelling argument she gives us to turn back to the Scholastics, especially Aquinas, to find our own way to think and live in accordance with virue in twenty-first century society. This is not an easy book for those not familiar with Dr. Porter's work. ("The Recovery of Virtue" is a wonderful first introduction to this brilliant scholar and beautiful writer.) However, keep at it and you will partake in a thoughtful, cogent argument on the importance of Scholastic views on morality that would serve us well today.
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5.0 out of 5 starsOutstanding work
By David Whidden on November 15, 2007
Format: Paperback
I read this book for an ethics class this semester and I find myself continuing to refer to it for its insights into natural law, the virtues, and Thomistic thought. The book is demanding, but it rewards a close reading with serious arguments and keen insights. Porter provides important arguments for natural law by actively engaging its critics and, in my opinion, overcoming their objections. Her defense is not so much of Thomistic thought as it was in the 13th century, but a defense of the extension of Thomistic thought into a modern environment. More importantly, the goal of her project is to find space in which theology and ethics can be reunited. This is an excellent book and I would highly recommend it.
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5.0 out of 5 starsNatural law theory
By Greg on August 13, 2014
Format: Paperback
In this detailed and carefully researched work, Jean Porter examines St Thomas's theory of natural law, and examines how it can apply to contemporary moral questions and issues.

Fortunately Porter's work is refreshingly clear of the apologetic tone much work on natural law takes, especially in Catholic circles. Many people appeal to the natural law to defend the teachings of the Catholic magisterium (teaching authority of the church), particularly in more controversial areas like sex, gender and bioethics. Such writers often appeal to the thought of St Thomas, when in fact they are simply appealing to what the Pope or a Vatican congregation has said about the matter in a doctrinal document or encyclical.

While such an approach may have its uses (i.e. in training seminarians) it doesn't constitute real scholarship. Porter's work avoids two-dimensional apologetics and instead tries to retrieve the substance of St Thomas's teaching in contemporary language. The result is a refreshing and open-minded interpretation of Thomas and his natural law theory.

The biggest stumbling block is the teleological view of nature underlying St Thomas's theory. Doesn't evolution and physical science show clearly the universe really has no direction or purpose? How can human life have meaning in the face of a seemingly cold and hostile universe, of which humans are like specks of dust? Even Blaise Pascal seemed to realise this when he said the infinite, cold spaces of endless time and space caused deep fear and anxiety in him.

Even so, St Thomas is worth taking seriously, even if only because he uses rigorous argument rather than appeals to authority to work out a position.Read more ›
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5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars
By Amazon Customer on October 29, 2015
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