Thomas Aquinas: A Very Brief History

by Brian Davies

Part The History (What do we know?)
This brief historical introduction to Aquinas assesses his impact on the world as it was at the time and outlines the key ideas and values connected with him. It explores the social, political and religious factors that formed the context of his life and writings, and considers how those factors affected the way he was initially received.

Part The Legacy (Why does it matter?)
This second part surveys the intellectual and cultural ‘afterlife’ of Aquinas, exploring the ways in which his impact has lasted. Why does he continue to be so influential, and what aspects of his legacy are likely to endure beyond today and into the future?

The book has a brief chronology at the front plus a glossary of key terms and a list of further reading at the back.



Preface
Chronology

Part The History

1. Who Was Aquinas?
2. Some Basic Words and Concepts
3. Why Believe in God?
4. What is God?
5. The Christian God
6. Human Beings

Part The Legacy

7. From the Time of Aquinas to the Twenty-First Century
8. Thinking About Aquinas Today

Glossary of Key Terms
Notes
Further Reading
Index

146 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2017

About the author

Brian Davies is a Dominican friar and Professor of Philosophy at Fordham University, New York. He has published extensively on the thought of St Thomas Aquinas.