The Political Ideas of St. Thomas Aquinas

Thomas Aquinas

• Publisher: Free Press
• Year: 1997
• Print ISBN:
  9780684836416
• eBook ISBN:
  9781439105603
• Topic: Philosophy
• Subtopic: Philosophy History & Theory

Originally published in The Hafner Library of Classics in 1953, The Political Ideas of St. Thomas Aquinas provides important insights into the human side of one of the most influential medieval philosophers. St. Thomas Aquinas (c. 1226–1274) is recognized for having synthesized Christian theology with Aristotelian metaphysics, and for his spirited philosophical defense of Christianity that was addressed to the non-Christian reader. In this collection, editor Dino Bigongiari has selected Aquinas's key writings on politics, justice, social problems, and forms of government, including the philosopher's main works: Regimine Principus (On Kinship) and The Summa Theologica.In an authoritative discussion of the historical background and evolution of St. Thomas Aquinas's political ideas, Dr. Bigongiari's commentary explains this philosopher's enduring influence and legacy. Accompanying explanatory notes and a helpful glossary of unusual terms and familiar words help to make this practical volume an ideal text for students and general readers alike.

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Title Page
• Content Page
• NOTE ON THE TEXT
• THE SUMMA THEOLOGICA Selections from I II and II II
• THE SUMMA THEOLOGICA Second Part of the Second Part
• ON KINGSHIP
• CHAPTER ONE WHAT IS MEANT BY THE WORD “KING”
• CHAPTER TWO WHETHER IT IS MORE EXPEDIENT FOR A CITY OR PROVINCE TO BE RULED BY ONE MAN OR BY MANY
• CHAPTER THREE THAT THE DOMINION OF A TYRANT IS THE WORST
• CHAPTER FOUR WHY THE ROYAL DIGNITY IS RENDERED HATEFUL TO THE SUBJECTS
• CHAPTER FIVE THAT IT IS A LESSER EVIL WHEN A MONARCHY TURNS INTO TYRANNY THAN WHEN AN ARISTOCRACY BECOMES CORRUPT
• CHAPTER SIX HOW PROVISION MIGHT BE MADE THAT THE KING MAY NOT FALL INTO TYRANNY
• CHAPTER SEVEN WHAT ADVANTAGES WHICH ARE RENDERED TO KINGS ARE LOST BY THE TYRANT
• NOTES
• LIST OF ABBREVIATED TITLES
• GLOSSARY