About the Book
One of Aquinas's best known works after the Summa Theologica, Summa Contra Gentiles is a theological synthesis that explains and defends the existence and nature of God without invoking the authority of the Bible. A detailed expository account of and commentary on this famous work, Davies's book aims to help readers think about the value of the Summa Contra Gentiles (SCG) for themselves, relating the contents and teachings found in the SCG to those of other works and other thinkers both theological and philosophical. Following a scholarly account of Aquinas's life and his likely intentions in writing the SCG, the volume works systematically through all four books of the text. It is, therefore, a solid and reflective introduction both to the SCG and to Aquinas more generally.
The book is aimed at students of medieval philosophy and theology, and of Aquinas in particular. It will interest teachers of medieval philosophy and theology, though it does not presuppose previous knowledge of Aquinas or of his works. Davies's book is the longest and most detailed account and discussion of the SCG available in English in one volume.
Table of Contents:
Preface
1. The Summa Contra Gentiles and its Context
2. Approaching the Question of God's Existence (SCG, 1,10-12)
3. Arguing for God's Existence (SCG, 1,13)
4. God as Eternal and Simple (SCG, 1,14-27)
5. Talking About God (SCG, 1,28-36)
6. Goodness, Oneness and Infinity (SCG, 1,37-43)
7. God's Knowledge (SCG, 1,44-71)
8. God's Will, Life, and Blessedness (SCG, 1,72-102)
9. God as Omnipotent Creator (SCG, 2,1-29)
10. Necessity in Creatures, the Eternity of the World, and Distinctions among Creatures (SCG, 2,30-45)
11. Intellectual Creatures (SCG, 2,46-101)
12. Agents, Ends, Evil, and Good (SCG, 3,1-15)
13. The End of All Things and of People in Particular (SCG, 3,16-63)
14. Providence at Work (SCG, 3,64-110)
15. Providence in Relation to Rational Creatures (SCG, 3,111-163)
16. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (SCG, 4,2-26)
17. God Incarnate (SCG, 4,27-49)
18. The Fittingness of the Incarnation, Sacraments, Resurrection, and the Final State of all People and of the World (SCG, 4,50-97)
Appendix: SCG At A Glance
Bibliography
Index
About the Author :
Brian Davies is Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Fordham University, New York, and Honorary Professor at Australian Catholic University. He is the author of numerous books on Aquinas, including Thomas Aquinas's Summa Theologiae: A Guide and Commentary (OUP 2014), Thomas Aquinas on God and Evil (OUP 2011), and Thomas Aquinas: Contemporary Philosophical Perspectives (OUP 2002).
Review :
"Davies's guide and commentary is an essential companion for a modern reader of Aquinas, especially one coming to his work for the first time. Coming from the pen of one of the Angelic doctor's foremost contemporary commentators, this book is enormously helpful is sorting out Aquinas's claims, explaining his arguments, and showing their significance in wider philosophical debates. In addition to those interested in the thought of Aquinas, it would be very
suitable for undergraduate or graduate courses in Aquinas, medieval philosophy, philosophy of religion and Christian philosophy." --Brendan Sweetman, International Journal of Philosophy
"This book gives one the feeling of being in the presence of a talented and experienced teacher, who brings Thomas Aquinas's Summa Contra Gentiles (SCG) to life for his students. For students and especially for teachers of Aquinas's philosophy and theology, Brian Davies' guide and commentary is a gift I highly recommend this book to those who want an accessible, reliable, and (relatively) quick introduction to Aquinas's SCG, or to Aquinas's work in
philosophy of religion and philosophical theology more generally. I think that students of Aquinas and especially teachers of Aquinas stand to benefit greatly from this volume."--Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews
"That Davies's book on Aquinas's Summa contra Gentiles is daring, erudite, and beautifully written should come as no surprise...Beginners will find no better introduction to the Summa contra Gentiles. Experts will find a thoughtful, enriching dialogue partner. There is no comparable one-volume work in English, so the book is singular. Davies is to be praised...Essential"--CHOICE
"Davies's commentary on Summa Contra Gentiles is a tight, mature work Davies's guide is exceptionally erudite "--Reading Religion
"I highly recommend this book to those who want an accessible, reliable, and (relatively) quick introduction to Aquinas's Summa Contra Gentiles, or to Aquinas's work in philosophy of religion and philosophical theology more generally. I think that students of Aquinas and especially teachers of Aquinas stand to benefit greatly from this volume. As much as a book can, with its colorful examples, clear explanations, and evident passion for the topics
covered, it gives one the sense of attending a master teacher's course on Aquinas's SCG." --Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews
