Commentary on Thomas Aquinas's Treatise on Happiness and Ultimate Purpose

Explores the meaning of life and nature of happiness through the lens of Thomas Aquinas's classical treatise.

J. Budziszewski (Author)

9781108745406, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 27 January 2022

704 pages, 1 b/w illus.
22.8 x 15.1 x 3.9 cm, 1.04 kg

'… immensely rich … The notes and discussion as well as the line by line translation or 'simplification' of Thomas's work are extremely helpful. It must be emphasized that most of the book consists of Budziszewski's own painstaking commentary, examples, and simplification, as well as clarification of Aquinas's thought. The work is highly readable and it is strongly recommended.' Jesse Russell, The University Bookman

This monumental, line-by-line commentary makes Thomas Aquinas's classic Treatise on Happiness and Ultimate Purpose accessible to all readers. Budziszewski illuminates arguments that even specialists find challenging: What is happiness? Is it something that we have, feel, or do? Does it lie in such things as wealth, power, fame, having friends, or knowing God? Can it actually be attained? This book's luminous prose makes Aquinas's treatise transparent, bringing to light profound underlying issues concerning knowledge, meaning, human psychology, and even the nature of reality.

I. Man's Ultimate Purpose (Question 1)
II. Happiness Itself
A. Where Does Complete Happiness Lie? Failed Candidates (Question 2)
B. What Then Is Complete Happiness in Itself, and In What Does It Really Lie? (Question 3)
C. Its Attainment
1. What Complete Happiness Requires (Question 4)
2. How Complete Happiness Is Finally Attained (Question 5).

Subject Areas: Psychology: emotions [JMQ], Psychology [JM], Theology [HRLB], Social & political philosophy [HPS], Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ], Western philosophy: Medieval & Renaissance, c 500 to c 1600 [HPCB], Philosophy [HP]