Right Practical Reason: Aristotle, Action, and Prudence in Aquinas (Oxford Theology and Religion Monographs)

This book is a study of the role of intellect in human action as described by Thomas Aquinas. One of its primary aims is to compare the interpretation of Aristotle by Aquinas with the lines of interpretation offered in contemporary Aristotelian scholarship. The book seeks to clarify the problems involved in the appropriation of Aristotle's theory by a Christian theologian, including such topics as the practical syllogism and the problems of akrasia. Professor Westberg argues that Aquinas was much closer to Aristotle than is often recognized; and he puts forward important new interpretations of the relation of intellect and will in the stages of intention, deliberation, decision, and execution. In the concluding section of the book, he shows how this new interpretation yields fruitful insights on a range of theological topics, including sin, law, love and the moral virtues. This Book Is A Study Of The Role Of Intellect In Human Action As Described By Thomas Aquinas. One Of Its Primary Aims Is To Compare The Interpretation Of Aristotle By Aquinas With The Lines Of Interpretation Offered In Contemporary Aristotelian Scholarship. The Book Seeks To Clarify The Problems Involved In The Appropriation Of Aristotle's Theory Of Practical Reason By A Christian Theologian, Including Such Topics As The Practical Syllogism And The Problems Of Akrasia. Professor Westberg Argues That Aquinas Was Closer To Aristotle Than Is Often Recognized; And He Puts Forward Important New Interpretations Of The Relation Of Intellect And Will In Human Action, And On The Division Of The Process Of Action In The Stages Of Intention, Deliberation, Decision, And Execution. In The Concluding Section Of The Book, He Shows How This New Interpretation Yields Fruitful Insights On A Range Of Theological Topics, Including Sin, Law, Love, And The Moral Virtues. Pt. I. The Character Of Practical Reason. 1. Introduction: Prudence And Moral Theology. 2. The Aristotelian Background. 3. Thomistic Practical Reason -- Pt. Ii. Intellect, Will, And Action. 4. The Metaphysics Of Agency. 5. Cognition And Volition. 6. Liberum Arbitrium, Principle Of Action. 7. The Distinctiveness Of Thomist Psychology -- Pt. Iii. Analysing The Process Of Action. 8. Stages In Human Action. 9. Intention. 10. Decision. 11. Deliberation. 12. Execution -- Pt. Iv. Rectifying Practical Reason. 13. Prudence And The Integration Of Action. 14. Error, Sin, And Defective Action. 15. Prudence As A Virtue. 16. Law And Prudence. 17. Prudence And Love. Daniel Westberg. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [261]-274) And Index. Cover Half-Title Page Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication PREFACE CONTENTS Abbreviations PART I THE CHARACTER OF PRACTICAL REASON 1 Introduction: Prudence and Moral Theology 2 The Aristotelian Background 3 Thomistic Practical Reason PART II INTELLECT, WILL, AND ACTION 4 The Metaphysics of Agency 5 Congnition and Volition 6 Liberum Arbitrium, Principle of Action 7 The Distinctiveness of Thomist Psychology PART III ANALYSING THE PROCESS OF ACTION 8 Stages in Human Action 9 Intention 10 Decision 11 Deliberation I 2 Execution PART IV RECTIFYING PRACTICAL REASON I 3 Prudence and the Integration of Action 14 Error, Sin, and Defective Action 15 Prudence as a Virtue 16 Law and Prudence 17 Prudence and Love Bibliography Index Thomas Aquinas's interpretation of Aristotle has formed the backbone of Catholic theology and teaching to this day. This book is an original new study of Aquinas's ideas in two key areas of ethical thought: the will and human action, with important new insights on a range of theological topics as well - including love, sin, and the moral virtues.