Thomas Aquinas on Virtue

Thomas Aquinas produced a vast body of work on moral theory, much of which focused on virtue. Thomas Osborne presents Aquinas's account of virtue in its historical, philosophical, and theological contexts, making it accessible to readers with different backgrounds and assumptions. The book will be valuable for scholars and students in ethics, medieval philosophy, and theology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Thomas Aquinas, a renowned philosopher and theologian, left an extensive and profound legacy in the field of moral theory. His extensive writings on virtue, particularly the status and value of virtues as principles of virtuous acts, and the organization of a moral life around them, constitute a significant contribution to the study of ethics. In his book, "Thomas Aquinas on Virtue," Thomas Osborne takes on the task of presenting Aquinas's account of virtue in its historical, philosophical, and theological contexts. By doing so, Osborne aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of Aquinas's teachings on virtue.

One of the key aspects of Aquinas's moral philosophy is his recognition of the importance of virtue as a means of achieving human happiness and fulfilling our ultimate purpose in life. Aquinas believed that virtues are not merely moral qualities or habits but rather essential principles that guide our actions and shape our character. He argued that virtues are necessary for living a good life and that they can be cultivated through practice and habituation.

Osborne's discussion of Aquinas's moral thought is insightful and accessible, even to readers who may be unfamiliar with the complexities of Aquinas's texts. He carefully explains the different aspects of Aquinas's moral philosophy, including his views on the nature of virtue, the role of reason in moral decision-making, and the relationship between virtue and faith. Osborne also highlights the differences between Aquinas's texts and the contemporary moral landscape, emphasizing the relevance of Aquinas's teachings in today's world.

The book "Thomas Aquinas on Virtue" is valuable for scholars and students in ethics, medieval philosophy, and theology. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of Aquinas's moral philosophy, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in this field. Whether one is a seasoned scholar or a newcomer to the study of ethics, this book offers valuable insights and perspectives that will deepen one's understanding of virtue and its role in shaping our moral lives.

In conclusion, "Thomas Aquinas on Virtue" is a remarkable book that offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to Aquinas's moral philosophy. Through his careful analysis of Aquinas's texts and their historical, philosophical, and theological contexts, Thomas Osborne provides readers with a deep understanding of Aquinas's teachings on virtue. This book is valuable for scholars and students in ethics, medieval philosophy, and theology, and it will undoubtedly inspire further research and discussion in these fields.

ISBN-13: 9781316511749