‘The study of philosophy is that we may know not what men have thought, but what the truth of things is.’
Thomas Aquinas (c. 1225-74) was one of the most influential philosophers of the Middle Ages, and his works continue to be widely read today. The leading classical proponent of natural theology and the founder of Thomism, he is regarded as one of the greatest Western thinkers of all time.
Written by a world authority, this brief history begins with an engaging account of Aquinas’s life and intellectual context. Thomas Aquinas goes on to explain the main contours of his thought for readers who may have no previous knowledge of him, or of academic philosophy and theology. It concludes with an informed assessment of the scale and significance of his legacy.
About the author
Part One: The History (What do we know?)
This brief historical introduction to Aquinas assesses his impact on the world as it was at the time and outlines the key ideas and values connected with him. It explores the social, political and religious factors that formed the context of his life and writings, and considers how those factors affected the way he was initially received.
Part Two: The Legacy (Why does it matter?)
This second part surveys the intellectual and cultural ‘afterlife’ of Aquinas, exploring the ways in which his impact has lasted. Why does he continue to be so influential, and what aspects of his legacy are likely to endure beyond today and into the future?
The book has a brief chronology at the front plus a glossary of key terms and a list of further reading at the back.
Contents:
Preface
Chronology
Part One: The History
1. Who Was Aquinas?
2. Some Basic Words and Concepts
3. Why Believe in God?
4. What is God?
5. The Christian God
6. Human Beings
Part Two: The Legacy
7. From the Time of Aquinas to the Twenty-First Century
8. Thinking About Aquinas Today
Glossary of Key Terms
Notes
Further Reading
Index
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