Overview

Two Catholic moralists of Spain's siglo de oro, Francisco de Vitoria (1483-1546) and Domingo de Soto (1494-1560), examined the condition of the Indians of the New World. Using the theological system of Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), they attacked the excesses of the conquistadores but concluded that slavery was justifiable under some circumstances. This study compares and contrasts their adapted notion of the critical concepts of right and dominion with the original perspective of Aquinas.

Full Product Details

9780820423586

Table of Contents

Reviews

All sides in the current debate over the relevance of natural law to moral analysis point to slavery as the acid test of traditional natural law reasoning. Brett's study traces natural law arguments from antiquity through Aquinas to Vitoria and Soto in the 'siglo de oro' of Spanish conquest in the New World. In showing how the concept of dominion as stewardship was corrupted to mean domination over human beings, Brett provides a lesson from history for controversies involving law and philosophy today. (Dianne N. Irving, DeSales School of Theology) What delayed the recognition by key moralists that slavery is incompatible with human rights? Brett draws from history, metaphysics and theology to answer this vexing question. The study has great value on many levels, especially on the reason why some practices are inherently violative of the dignity of the person and basic human goods. (William E. May, Pope John Paul Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family) Brett's scholarly yet readable analysis of the slavery question dissects the classic moral and philosophical arguments used to justify a cruel practice. Moralists sensed something was wrong but lost the compass of clear metaphysical principles. This comparison of three theologians sheds enormous light on a problem whose implications extend to many contemporary disputes. (Rev. Kevin T. McMahon, S.T.D., St. Charles Borromeo Seminary) Brett's study is important... (Cyprian Davis, Journal of Church and State)

Author Information

The Author: Stephen F. Brett, a Catholic priest, is an associate professor of Theology at DeSales School of Theology, Washington, D.C. He received his Ph.D. in Theology from the Catholic University of America. He lectures frequently on issues of social ethics and moral theology.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available