Thomas Aquinas on Human Nature
A Philosophical Study of Summa Theologiae, 1a 75-89

A major new study of Aquinas and his central project: the understanding of human nature.

Robert Pasnau (Author)

9780521001892, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 12 November 2001

516 pages, 6 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.5 x 2.9 cm, 0.685 kg

' … a fine addition to the growing literature on the angelic doctor. it will be profitably read by beginning students and seasoned scholars alike.' Theoria

This is a major new study of Thomas Aquinas, the most influential philosopher of the Middle Ages. The book offers a clear and accessible guide to the central project of Aquinas' philosophy: the understanding of human nature. Robert Pasnau sets the philosophy in the context of ancient and modern thought, and argues for some groundbreaking proposals for understanding some of the most difficult areas of Aquinas' thought: the relationship of soul to body, the workings of sense and intellect, the will and the passions, and personal identity. Structured around a close reading of the treatise on human nature from the Summa theologiae and deeply informed by a wide knowledge of the history of philosophy and contemporary philosophy, this study will offer specialists a series of novel and provocative interpretations, while providing students with a reference commentary on one of Aquinas' core texts.

Introduction
Part I. Essential Features (QQ75-76)
1. Body and soul
2. The immateriality of soul
3. The unity of body and soul
4. When human life begins
Excursus metaphysics: reality as actuality
Part II. Capacities (QQ77-83)
5. The soul and its capacities
6. Sensation
7. Desire and freedom
8. Reason and temptation
Part III. Functions: (QQ84-89)
9. Mind and image
10. Mind and reality
11. Knowing the mind
12. Life after death
Epilogue: Why did God make me?

Subject Areas: Western philosophy: Medieval & Renaissance, c 500 to c 1600 [HPCB]