Thomas Aquinas: A Very Brief History

by Brian Davies

‘The study of philosophy is that we may know not what men have thought, but what the truth of things is.’

Thomas Aquinas (c. 1225–74) was one of the most influential philosophers of the Middle Ages, and his works continue to be widely read today. The leading classical proponent of natural theology and the founder of Thomism, he is regarded as one of the greatest Western thinkers of all time.

Written by a world authority, this brief history begins with an engaging account of Aquinas’s life and intellectual context. Thomas Aquinas goes on to explain the main contours of his thought for readers who may have no previous knowledge of him, or of academic philosophy and theology. It concludes with an informed assessment of the scale and significance of his legacy.

128 pages, Paperback

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.

Reviews

[Samuel G. Parkison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction. Davies hits all the major issues without leaving his readers in the dust.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covers all bases as an introduction to Aquinas’ general concepts on the metaphysics of God, the Sacraments, and Christian virtues. It also provides plenty of historical context and factual information, and an interesting review chapter which evaluates Aquinas’ legacy, with opinions from other philosophers. Davies makes some useful observations without overwhelming the reader with his own opinions.