The Logic of Desire : Aquinas on Emotion

When Thomas Aquinas completed his __Treatise on the Passions,__ it was likely the longest sustained discussion of the emotions ever written. His influence on medieval and early modern philosophy was enormous, overshadowing every other medieval author on the topic of emotion. Although Aquinas's account of emotion merits attention for its historical significance and enduring value, it remains neglected by philosophers and theologians. With emotion emerging as a focus of interest in many disciplines, the time is ripe for a reconsideration of Aquinas's contribution. Desire and emotion are central to Aquinas's theological project, and his views on many topics, including the relationship between cognition and emotion, show remarkable prescience in the light of recent developments. Emotion is particularly important to his understanding of virtue and vice. Focusing on the __Summa theologiae__, Nicholas Lombardo contributes to the recovery, reconstruction, and critique of Aquinas's account of emotion in dialogue with both the Thomist tradition and contemporary analytic philosophy. It considers Aquinas's thought on emotion in its historical context and inner logic, and shows how it bears on larger issues in his anthropology and ethics. When Thomas Aquinas completed his Treatise on the Passions, it was likely the longest sustained discussion of the emotions ever written. His influence on medieval and early modern philosophy was enormous, overshadowing every other medieval author on the topic of emotion. Although Aquinas's account of emotion merits attention for its historical significance and enduring value, it remains neglected by philosophers and theologians. With emotion emerging as a focus of interest in many disciplines, the time is ripe for a reconsideration of Aquinas's contribution. Desire and emotion are central to Aquinas's theological project, and his views on many topics, including the relationship between cognition and emotion, show remarkable prescience in the light of recent developments. Emotion is particularly important to his understanding of virtue and vice. Focusing on the Summa theologiae , Nicholas Lombardo contributes to the recovery, reconstruction, and critique of Aquinas's account of emotion in dialogue with both the Thomist tradition and contemporary analytic philosophy. It considers Aquinas's thought on emotion in its historical context and inner logic, and shows how it bears on larger issues in his anthropology and ethics. ABOUT THE Nicholas E. Lombardo is Assistant Professor of Historicaland Systematic Theology atThe Catholic University of America. PRAISE FOR THE "Nicholas Lombardo's beautifully argued and carefully documented book is a persuasive retrieval of what Saint Thomas himself obviously regarded as essential to our understanding of the moral and spiritual life--even more important now than in his own day."--Fergus Kerr, O.P., Honorary Fellow, School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh "This book is a fine and much needed retrieval of what constitutes emotion in the writings of Thomas Aquinas, bringing precision and clarification where it was previously wanting. At the very least, Lombardo's careful work will demand attention from anyone who writes in this area of Thomas's thought in the future." -The Thomist When Thomas Aquinas Completed His Treatise On The Passions, It Probably Constituted The Longest Sustained Discussion Of The Emotions Ever Written. His Influence On Medieval And Early Modern Philosophy Was Enormous, Overshadowing Every Other Medieval Author On The Topic Of Emotion. Nonetheless, Aquinas's Account Of Emotion Remains Neglected By Contemporary Philosophers And Theologians. With Emotion Emerging As A Focus Of Interest In Many Disciplines, The Time Is Ripe For A Reconsideration Of Aquinas's Contribution. In The Logic Of Desire, Nicholas Lombardo Advances The Recovery And Critique Of Aquinas's Account Of Emotion, Working In Dialogue With Contemporary Analytic Philosophy And The Thomist Tradition. He Considers Aquinas's Thought On Emotion In Its Historical Context, Inner Logic, And Ethical Implications, And Then Offers An Appraisal Of Its Perennial Value. --book Jacket. The Passions Of The Soul -- The Structure Of The Passions -- The Affections Of The Will -- Passion, Reason, And Virtue -- Original Sin, Grace, And Human Affectivity -- The Flourishing Of Human Affectivity -- The Affectivity Of Christ -- A Preliminary Evaluation Of Aquinas On Emotion -- Toward A Contemporary Theology Of Emotion. Nicholas E. Lombardo. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Contents Preface Introduction 1. The Passions of the Soul 2. The Structure of the Passions 3. The Affections of the Will 4. Passion, Reason, and Virtue 5. Original Sin, Grace, and Human Affectivity 6. The Flourishing of Human Affectivity 7. The Affectivity of Christ 8. A Prelminary Evaluation of Aquinas on Emotion 9. Toward a Contemporary Theology of Emotion Conclusion Bibliography Index of Citations General Index A critical study of Aquinas' account of emotions and its enduring relevance, this title considers Aquinas' thought on emotion in its historical context and inner logic, and shows how it bears on larger issues in Aquinas' anthropology and ethics