Awards

• Winner of Award for Excellence in the Study of Religion (United States).

Overview

Aquinas on Virtue: A Causal Reading is an original interpretation of one of the most compelling accounts of virtue in the Western tradition, that of the great theologian and philosopher Thomas Aquinas (1224-1274). Taking as its starting point Aquinas's neglected definition of virtue in terms of its ""causes,"" this book offers a systematic analysis of Aquinas on the nature, genesis, and role of virtue in human life. Drawing on connections and contrasts between Aquinas and contemporary treatments of virtue, Austin argues that Aquinas's causal virtue theory retains its normative power today. As well as providing a synoptic account of Aquinas on virtue, the book includes an extended treatment of the cardinal virtue of temperance, an argument for the superiority of Aquinas's concept of ""habit"" over modern psychological accounts, and a rethinking of the relation between grace and virtue. With an approach that is distinctively theological yet strongly conversant with philosophy, this study will offer specialists a bold new interpretation of Aquinas's virtue theory while giving students a systematic introduction with suggested readings from his Summa Theologiae and On the Virtues.

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9781626164727

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Reviews

A compelling study that will offer scholars and theologians a bold new interpretation of Aquinas's virtue theory . . . A masterpiece of deliberative scholarship. * Library Bookwatch * A fresh look at Thomas Aquinas's treatment of virtue . . . A welcome contribution to the ongoing conversation on virtue ethics. * Reading Religion * Austin fulfills his intention to make Aquinas's understanding of virtue more intelligible for modern man by means of a causal analysis. He amply shows how Aquinas's virtue theory is neither univocal nor reductionistic, but rather, capable of dialogue with modern perspectives, while nevertheless, penetrating deeper than modern theories. * The Incarnate Word * An elegant, thoughtful examination of Aquinas' virtue ethic. * Catholic Books Review *

A compelling study that will offer scholars and theologians a bold new interpretation of Aquinas's virtue theory . . . A masterpiece of deliberative scholarship. * Library Bookwatch * A fresh look at Thomas Aquinas's treatment of virtue . . . A welcome contribution to the ongoing conversation on virtue ethics. * Reading Religion *

A fresh look at Thomas Aquinas's treatment of virtue . . . A welcome contribution to the ongoing conversation on virtue ethics. --Reading Religion A compelling study that will offer scholars and theologians a bold new interpretation of Aquinas's virtue theory . . . A masterpiece of deliberative scholarship. --Library Bookwatch An elegant, thoughtful examination of Aquinas' virtue ethic. --Catholic Books Review Austin fulfills his intention to make Aquinas's understanding of virtue more intelligible for modern man by means of a causal analysis. He amply shows how Aquinas's virtue theory is neither univocal nor reductionistic, but rather, capable of dialogue with modern perspectives, while nevertheless, penetrating deeper than modern theories. --The Incarnate Word

Author Information

Nicholas Austin, SJ, teaches theological ethics at Heythrop College, University of London. He is the author of several book chapters, essays, and articles.

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