First Glance At Thomas Aquinas

by Ralph McInerny

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.

Genres: Philosophy, Theology, Catholic, Religion, Nonfiction, Christianity

210 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Ralph Matthew McInerny was an American Catholic religious scholar and fiction writer, including mysteries and science fiction. Some of his fiction has appeared under the pseudonyms of Harry Austin, Matthew FitzRalph, Ernan Mackey, Edward Mackin, and Monica Quill. As a mystery writer he is best known as the creator of Father Dowling. He was Professor of Philosophy, Director of the Jacques Maritain Center, and Michael P. Grace Professor of Medieval Studies at the University of Notre Dame until his retirement in June 2009. He died of esophageal cancer on January 29, 2010.

Reviews

[Phillip Hadden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction and breakdown of Thomstic thought. My only critique is that primary translations of Thomas Aquinas’s were a bit dated in their language.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really interesting introduction to the theology and writing of Thomas Aquinas, presented in an accessible and readable manner

[Colby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great review of Thomistic philosophy if you already have some philosophy background, but if not I think it would be quite daunting. Sometimes the wording is confusing, not even because the material is dense but just bad wording. A better intro to Thomistic philosophy is the Aquinas 101 course (https://aquinas101.thomisticinstitute...). I would imagine that doing both concurrently would be extremely fruitful.

[Barb Ruess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read this one in bits & pieces because philosophy is a lot to absorb. I liked how the author broke down St Thomas' teachings and how those teachings were building blocks to the "big" questions in the book about one's soul and the existence of God. Appreciate having a better perspective into this saint.

[Laurent Dv · Rating 4 out of 5]

L'introduction à la philosophie thomiste (Thomas d'Aquin) la plus accessible, couvre à peu près tous les sujets importants. Chaque chapitre est court et l'auteur y présente une notion de manière très intuitive. A chaque fois, on trouve ensuite un extrait soit de Thomas, soit d'Aristote très compréhensible.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like his other Thomas primer, I really don't remember much.

[Zach de Walsingham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a first level introductory book, I'd recommend reading "Aristotle for Everybody" before this work.

[Geo Forman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thomas Aquinas and Aristotle presented by Notre Dame professor McInerny (RIP). McInerny takes the reader
through the basics of Thomas' philosophy and theology using plain words and common sense. Thomas and Aristotle
both offer their proofs of the existence of God (Prime Mover for Aristotle). This book deserves multiple readings and
concentration to fully appreciate the nuggets presented by the professor

[Erik]

Recommended by James Schall in Another Sort of Learning, Chapter 20, as one of Ten Books on the Humanities.

[Punky Brewster · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book... I remember wanting to gouge my eyes out while reading this for a High Middle Ages course.