Ethica Thomistica: The Moral Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas

by Ralph McInerny

First published fifteen years ago, Ethica Thomistica is widely recognized as one of the finest introductions to St. Thomas's moral philosophy. Though the book has been out of print for several years, scholars and students still refer to it as the standard resource on Thomistic ethics. In this much-anticipated, revised edition, Ralph McInerny revisits the basics of Thomas's teachings and offers a brief, intelligible, and persuasive summary.



Chapters: Morality and Human Life; The Good for Man; Ultimate End and Moral Principles; The Structure of the Human Act; Good and Evil Action; Character and Decision; Prudence and Conscience; Religion and Morality

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Ralph McInerny is Michael P. Grace Professor of Medieval Studies and director of the Jacques Maritain Center at the University of Notre Dame, where he has taught since 1955. He is founder and publisher of Catholic Dossier magazine; cofounder of Crisis magazine; and author of several books published by CUA Press, including Aquinas on Human Action (1992), The Question of Christian Ethics (1993), and Aquinas and Analogy (1996).



PRAISE FOR THE BOOK:



"Remarkable for its moderation and common sense. . . . [McInerny] rapidly sketches selected themes from Thomistic moral thinking: what distinguishes the moral activities of man, what is distinctive of moral goodness (in Aristotle and in Aquinas), an analysis of practical reason in relation to natural law, the bases for judging good and evil moral actions, the roles of intellect and will in voluntary activity, the work of virtues as components of moral character, the functions of prudence and conscience, and finally the relation of ethics to religious belief. . . . For the person who desires a quick and understandable introduction to this subject, this little book can be recommended as readable and reliable."―Vernon J. Bourke, Speculum

"An important contribution both to moral philosophy and to its teaching. . . . [McInerny] has put us all in his debt by writing it."―Alasdair MacIntyre, Teaching Philosophy

"A clear, thorough and readable introduction to the thought of one of the intellectual giants of the Catholic moral tradition."―National Catholic Register

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

144 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1982

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

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very dense, but informative introduction to Saint Thomas Aquinas. Thomism is a fascinating philosophy, very complex but still the opposite of the inconsequential navelgazing that so many philosophers like to engage in these day. In other words, it isn't A Theory of Justice. The Angelic Doctor knew better than to write a five hundred page tome based on premises that he snatched from thin air. His system of ethics is the most elegant and beautiful I have discovered since I've stumbled over Rothbardianism.

The main reason why I got this book was because I wanted to learn more about refutations of the naturalistic fallacy and the is-ought-problem. McInerny delivered both. It was a good feeling to reap the reward of years of stubborn resistance against emotivism. If such a refutation is what you're looking for, too, then look no further. You've found your book.

I'll likely reread Ethica Thomistica in a year or so, maybe even sooner. It's short, but very densely packed with information, and the subject matter is extremely complex, although rightly so.

[David Haines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just finished the Moral Quest by Stanley Grenz, this book, by Ralph McInerny, was like a breath of fresh air. McInerny explains that Thomistic view of Moral Philosophy from a contemporary perspective. He interacts with alot of the important problems that have been raised by modern moral philosophy, and shows the relationship between moral philosophy and christian theology. He interacts with problems raised against Thomistic moral philosophy, by David Hume and G. E. Moore, such as what has come to be called the Naturalistic fallacy, showing that it is a misunderstanding, and a false problem. All in all this book is a joy to read, and is filled with great examples of morality drawn from our modern life. I would recommend this book to everyone who is interested in Moral philosophy.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent intro to Thomas' moral thought. Very helpful in a climate that is often confused about morality and moral agency. Some parts were a bit esoteric and hard to follow while other parts I highlighted whole paragraphs. Not for the faint of heart but very good.

[Nathan H · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, dense primer of Thomas Aquinas's moral philosophy. It is a primer, but by no means should it be considered an introduction to Aquinas. McInerny provides a great over view, but it is full of technical language and philosophical references that may be a bit above people just dipping their toes into Thomism and philosophy. A great read for those with some knowledge.

McInerny wonderfully builds on the topics through each chapter with a beautiful culmination in the final section. He also has wonderful and humorous examples that keep you engaged and thinking about the topics at hand.

I read this one a bit quickly, so I definitely did not get as much out of it as I could, but wanted to finish up such a dense text before getting back into school. Worth a reread.

[Daniel Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading, in my estimation, for those even tangentially interested in Thomistic/Aristotelian ethics. An excellent companion piece to Alasdair Macintyre. This short work is densely packed but nevertheless accessible. McInerny convincingly shows how the common sense moral philosophy of Aquinas effortlessly pierces through much of the nonsense generated by modern ethical speculation. The result gifts the reader with stability and wisdom to orient his life toward true happiness. Can't ask for much more in a book barely over 100 pages!

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I don’t agree with some of the specific moral judgments of the author, this book helped me grasp some of the basic assumptions, beliefs, and thoughts of Thomas and Thomists. Overall very helpful.

[Maxwell Ladhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extremely useful summary, worth the hour it takes to read and then some.

[Brother Gregory Rice, SOLT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful. A little particular at moments but hilarious at others and the clean clarity of Thomistic thought is just lovely.

[Platypus Lord · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4 stars)

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is really good; it's absurd it's taken me over a year and I'm still not done with it... that's definitely due to a defect in my character, not a flaw in the book. It's an excellent introduction to Aquinas.

[Kevin Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

A basic breakdown of the moral philosophy of Thomas Aquinas. Text seems to shift from accessible to convoluted and back again every few pages, making it a relatively inconsistent read. Translations of Aquinas are well done, but rarely included throughout the text.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

delightful read

[Jordan · Rating 2 out of 5]

By no means for beginners. Were I a complete newcomer to philosophy in general or Thomistic thought in particular, this book would have been impenetrable.