In this study John Bowlin argues that Aquinas's moral theology receives much of its character and content from an assumption about our common lot: the good we desire is difficult to know and to will, in particular because of contingencies of various kinds - within ourselves, in the ends and objects we pursue, and in the circumstances of choice. Since contingencies are fortune's effects, Aquinas insists that it is fortune that makes good choice difficult. Bowlin then explicates Aquinas's treatment of a number of topics in light of this difficulty: the moral and theological virtues, the first precepts of the natural law, the voluntariness of virtuous action, and the happiness available to us in this life. By noting that Aquinas proceeds with an eye on fortune's threats to virtue, agency, and happiness, Bowlin places him more precisely in the history of ethics, among Aristotle, Augustine, and the Stoics.

Novel interpretation of Aquinas's treatment of the effects of fortune on virtue, agency, and happiness.
Reviews
"...this is a collection that should be in every theological library as well as on the bookshelf of every ecumenist." John T. Ford, Religious Studies Review
"Contingecy and Fortune in Aquinas's Ethics is a superb and masterful study....a challenging, provocative, and engaging book....Few works in Aquinas's ethics have been as expertly researched and as carefully argued as this one. Bowlin argues convincingly for a new reading of how Aquinas understood the virtues. Scholars of Aquinas are indebted to him and, I suspect, will be conversing with him, and learning from him, in the years ahead." Modern Theology
...well worth reading..." Theological Studies



Book Information
ISBN 9780521153423
Author John Bowlin
Format Paperback
Page Count 250
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 400g
Dimensions(mm) 230mm * 152mm * 15mm