One of Aquinas's best known works after the Summa Theologica, Summa Contra Gentiles is a theological synthesis that explains and defends the existence and nature of God without invoking the authority of the Bible. A detailed expository account of and commentary on this famous work, Davies's book aims to help readers think about the value of the Summa Contra Gentiles (SCG) for themselves, relating the contents and teachings found in the SCG to those of other works and other thinkers both theological and philosophical. Following a scholarly account of Aquinas's life and his likely intentions in writing the SCG, the volume works systematically through all four books of the text. It is, therefore, a solid and reflective introduction both to the SCG and to Aquinas more generally. The book is aimed at students of medieval philosophy and theology, and of Aquinas in particular. It will interest teachers of medieval philosophy and theology, though it does not presuppose previous knowledge of Aquinas or of his works. Davies's book is the longest and most detailed account and discussion of the SCG available in English in one volume.
About the AuthorBrian Davies is Professor of Philosophy at Fordham University.
ReviewsDavies's guide and commentary is an essential companion for a modern reader of Aquinas, especially one coming to his work for the first time. Coming from the pen of one of the Angelic doctor's foremost contemporary commentators, this book is enormously helpful is sorting out Aquinas's claims, explaining his arguments, and showing their significance in wider philosophical debates. In addition to those interested in the thought of Aquinas, it would be very suitable for undergraduate or graduate courses in Aquinas, medieval philosophy, philosophy of religion and Christian philosophy. * Brendan Sweetman, International Journal of Philosophy *
Book InformationISBN 9780190456542
Author Brian DaviesFormat Paperback
Page Count 504
Imprint Oxford University Press IncPublisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 658g
Dimensions(mm) 155mm * 234mm * 36mm