
Right Practical Reason
Aristotle, Action, and Prudence in Aquinas
Daniel Westberg(Author)
Clarendon Press
Published on 8. September 1994
Book
Hardback
296 pages
978-0-19-826731-7 (ISBN)
Description
This book is a study of the role of intellect in human action as described by Thomas Aquinas. One of its primary aims is to compare the interpretation of Aristotle by Aquinas with the lines of interpretation offered in contemporary Aristotelian scholarship. The book seeks to clarify the problems involved in the appropriation of Aristotle's theory by a Christian theologian, including such topics as the practical syllogism and the problems of akrasia. Professor Westberg argues that Aquinas was much closer to Aristotle than is often recognized; and he puts forward important new interpretations of the relation of intellect and will in the stages of intention, deliberation, decision, and execution. In the concluding section of the book, he shows how this new interpretation yields fruitful insights on a range of theological topics, including sin, law, love and the moral virtues.
Reviews / Votes
'Daniel Westberg's new book is a comprehensive, magisterial and scholarly account of these matters of Thomistic exegesis.'Times Higher Educational Supplement `technical and penetrating dissertation, ... In a lively and learned fashion Dr Westberg has recovered Aquinas's idea of prudence; and his work of restoration should remind modern philosophers not to neglect Aristotle's greatest interpreter.'
Expository TImes Westberg is well-acquainted with recent Aristotelian scholarship, and convincing in his readings of Aquinas's texts ... its meticulous scholarship and its balanced originality make it well worth the effort for anyone who is interested either in the interpretation of Aristotle ... or in a more accurate understanding of Aquinas's contribution to the psychology of human action and the nature of good moral decision-making. There is a good index, and an excellent bibliography. * The Heythrop Journal * Westberg's account of Aquinas is impressive ... I will not try to do justice to the depth and perceptiveness of the illuminating account of action and ethics which Westberg attributes to Aquinas ... We can fully expect this book to take its place as the benchmark for other treatments of the same topic; it will be a long time before a better full-length study of its subject-matter is produced. * Journal of Theological Studies * excellent ... advance our understanding of Aquinas's moral thought, and ... provide an important corrective to certain trends in recent Thomistic scholarship ... Through a careful and detail exegesis of Aquinas's remarks on the subject, he shows that for Aquinas, intellect and will are mutually interrelated at every stage of action .... Westberg's analysis of Aquinas should be of interest to philosophers and Christian ethicists, as well as to scholars of Aquinas ... rich in carefully argued exegetical detail. * Jean Porter, Studies in Christian Ethics * well-researched and carefully crafted book. * Speculum, April 1997 * For students of moral theology with a special interest, not only in Aquinas, but also in accounts of the human act and of moral reasoning. * Religious Studies * Westberg shows that the core of Aquinas's action theory is authentically Aristotelian...argues effectively...anyone with a serious interest in medieval eithics should read Westberg's study. * The Philosophical Review *
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Oxford University Press
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 222 mm
Width: 145 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight
551 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-826731-7 (9780198267317)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
09/1994
1st Edition
OUP eBook
€125.99
Available for download
Person
Author
Assistant Professor in Theological EthicsAssistant Professor in Theological Ethics, University of Virginia
Content
Part 1 The character of practical reason: introduction - prudence and moral theology; the Aristotelian background; Thomistic practical reason. Part 2 Intellect, will and action: the metaphysics of agency; cognition and volition; "liberium arbitrium", principle of action; the distinctiveness of Thomistic psychology. Part 3 Analyzing the process of action: stages in human action; intention; decision; deliberation; execution. Part 4 Rectifying practical reason: prudence and the integration of action; error, sin and defective action; prudence as a virtue; law and prudence; prudence and love.