St. Thomas Aquinas on Politics and Ethics: A Norton Critical Edition (Norton Critical Editions)

The Book contains excerpts from St. Thomas Aquinas' writings, edited by Paul E. Sigmund, plus many interpretations at the end written by various luminaries, including Popes and modern thinkers. I have to admit I only read little bits of the interpretations.St. Thomas Aquinas, who lived from 1225 to 1274, writes on a wide range of topics. The topics include how to know truth, true happiness and what is it, does God exist, the theological virtues, the cause of sin, the essence of the soul, much about politics, and more. The writings sometimes follow the pattern: question, answer, objections, and answers to objections. A few of Aquinas' ideas seem wrong today; thus, he has 'different' notions about politics, about usury and money, considers slavery "natural" and he says a woman is "an imperfect man." Aquinas admits to influence by the non-Christian Aristotle.It's obvious Aquinas writes in an earlier age, but even so, I call it a five star book. Non- Christians might rate it less, but non-Christians will understand Christians better if they read it, and might even become Christian, so I presume to rate it at five stars for them as well.

It is really interesting how Thomas Aquinas refered to god's existance. The Summa Theologica shows 5 proofs of god that can open a great debate. Great book!

How do you rate a thinker of his caliber? In an era of ignorance he was a shining light, but served most of all to illuminate the surrounding darkness. He has an innocence you're unlikely to find anymore, along with certainty. Most of all, these thinkers who have remained in our consciousness were informed by love. I can't write a critique in the usual sense. It's like meeting a younger self, one that didn't have to be crushed into an unsympathetic mold. Someone who was not bled dry by life.

Takes time to read but interesting

Confirmation gift. Prompt delivery. Beautiful gift wrap.

The font set in this book is so tiny, it is too difficult to read. Hoping to find another copy in larger print.

Came just as described and in good condition!

Good

A decent book for those intending to have a certain amount of introductory knowledge as to Thomas Aquinas and his philosophy. I think the book is a bit too shallow, since Thomas Aquinas wrote much more than this book includes. I would give four or even five stars if it were more about Thomas Aquinas, as the name implies, and less about Augustine, Aristotle and what other people think about them.