Re-thinking the Angelic Doctor: W. Norris Clarke and the Concept of Person in Thomas Aquinas

Re-thinking the Angelic Doctor is a new assessment of the reception of Thomas Aquinas in the work of W. Norris Clarke, exploring whether he was engaged in a creative retrieval of Aquinas' system of thought or forging his own path. It sheds new light on the workings of two great minds separated by eight centuries and will be of interest to readers looking for a timely re-examination of the Aristotelian arguments.

Format: Hardback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 16 May 2023
Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing Inc

Re-thinking the Angelic Doctor is a comprehensive and groundbreaking reassessment of the reception of Thomas Aquinas in the work of the twentieth-century American philosopher W. Norris Clarke. In his book, Author Aloysius N. Ezeoba delves into the intriguing question of whether Clarke engaged in a creative retrieval of Aquinas's system of thought, particularly focusing on the human person, or whether he ventured on his own path to provide a unique and creative completion. By shedding new light on the interplay between two great minds separated by eight centuries, Re-thinking the Angelic Doctor offers valuable insights to readers seeking a timely re-examination of the Aristotelian arguments, particularly as they are appropriated by religious thinkers like Aquinas. This work will also serve as a valuable resource for graduate courses in medieval and modern philosophy and theology, providing students with a deep understanding of the historical and philosophical context in which Aquinas's ideas were developed.

Reflecting upon this volume will be particularly helpful for readers who are interested in understanding how to appropriate St. Thomas Aquinas's thinking for the twenty-first century. The book provides a rich exploration of the diverse perspectives taken by neo-Thomists in movements like Transcendental and Existential Thomism during the last century. It offers insights into how thinkers such as Marechal and Phelan were reinterpreting or abandoning classical Thomism, while also highlighting the arguments presented by contemporary thinkers like Rev. Christopher Cullen, S.J., who defend traditional Thomism. Furthermore, readers will have the opportunity to engage with the thought of Rev. Norris W. Clarke, S.J., a prominent figure involved in this appropriation. Clarke, who had contact with Ezeoba as both a fellow faculty member and a popular lecturer, adds an additional dimension to the discussion.

Re-thinking the Angelic Doctor is a meticulously crafted and intellectually stimulating exercise in philosophy. It offers a profound analysis of the themes and ideas explored by Aquinas and Clarke, presenting a nuanced and thoughtful interpretation of their works. The book is filled with insightful observations, compelling arguments, and valuable insights that will engage and inspire readers. Whether one is a student of philosophy, theology, or religious studies, this book provides a valuable resource for further exploration and understanding of the rich tapestry of Aristotelian thought.

Weight: 503g
Dimension: 225 x 150 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433196485
Edition number: New ed