A First Glance at St. Thomas Aquinas: A Handbook for Peeping Thomists

Thomism is solidly based on the assumption that we know the world first through our senses and then through concepts formed on the basis of our sense experience. In this informally discursive introduction to St. Thomas Aquinas, Ralph McInerny shows how this basic assumption contrasts with dominant modern alternative views and is developed by Thomas into a coherent view of ourselves, of knowledge, and of God. McInerny first places Thomism in context within philosophical inquiry, discussing the relationship between philosophy and theology, and between modern and classical views of philosophy. He then describes the challenges Thomas faced with the introduction of Aristotle's works into the Christian West. The reader is subsequently guided through such key concepts as art, nature, causes, and motion and shown how Thomas used these concepts to resolve the problems presented by Aristotle. Each chapter is tied to a specific Thomistic text, providing a sample from a number of Thomas's works. In addition to articles from both Summas, there are sections from the Disputed Questions and the Commentaries, among others. McInerny also provides an annotated list of the writings of Thomas available in English. Bibliographical notes provided by the author, grouped by subject and following his general chapter divisions, will be particularly helpful for further reading.

About the Author :
Ralph McInerny (1929–2010) was Michael P. Grace Professor of Medieval Studies and director emeritus of the Jacques Maritain Center, University of Notre Dame. He was the author of numerous works in philosophy, literature, fiction, and journalism, including The Very Rich Hours of Jacques Maritain, Characters in Search of Their Author, and his autobiography, I Alone Have Escaped to Tell You, all published by the University of Notre Dame Press.

Review :
"... intended to be a 'first, informal look into the vast world of St. Thomas Aquinas.' Extensive bibliographical notes with additional suggested readings for each chapter are found at the end of the book. There is also a discussion of the various English translations available of Thomas' writings. If a church library needs an introduction to the philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas, this is a good one to buy." —Church and Synagogue Libraries "McInerny has succeeded in making the thought of the Common Doctor accessible to the common man . . . the book is both clear and helpful. Thanks to Professor McInerny for having written this introduction to Saint Thomas's thought. It is the best available." —The Canadian Catholic Review "This is a superb introduction to the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas. It is so lucidly and wittingly written that even a Thomistic novice like this reviewer quickly lost most of his apprehension and became absorbed in the broad and fascinating survey offered by the author." —Homiletic and Pastoral Review