Thomas Aquinas on the Passions: A Study of Summa Theologiae, 1a2ae 22-48

by Robert Miner

Overview

The Summa Theologiae is Thomas Aquinas' undisputed masterwork, and it includes his thoughts on the elemental forces in human life. Feelings such as love, hatred, pleasure, pain, hope and despair were described by Aquinas as 'passions', representing the different ways in which happiness could be affected. But what causes the passions? What impact do they have on the person who suffers them? Can they be shaped and reshaped in order to better promote human flourishing? The aim of this book is to provide a better understanding of Aquinas' account of the passions. It identifies the Aristotelian influences that lie at the heart of the Summa Theologiae, and it enters into a dialogue with contemporary thinking about the nature of emotion. The study argues that Aquinas' work is still important today, and shows why for Aquinas both the understanding and attainment of happiness requires prolonged reflection on the passions.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521897488
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	04/09/2009
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Robert Miner is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Baylor University.

Table of Contents

Part I. The Passions in General: 1. The sensitive appetite; 2. The definition of passion; 3. The activation of passion; 4. The morality of the passions; Part II. Particular Passions: The Concupiscible Passions: 5. Love; 6. Hatred and concupiscence; 7. Pleasure; 8. Sorrow; Part III. Particular Passions: The Irascible Passions: 9. Hope and despair; 10. Fear; 11. Daring; 12. Anger; Epilogue: the passions, the virtues, and happiness.