Action and Conduct: Thomas Aquinas and the Theory of Action

Description

Stephen Brock examines the relation between conduct and physical action, or between the 'will' and the real events which it effects in the world, through the works of Thomas Aquinas.Few thinkers have devoted more attention to this topic than Thomas, who has influenced mainstream modern analytic philosophy through (among others) G. E. M. Anscombe, Anthony Kenny, Roderick Chisolm and the late Alan Donagan.Demonstrating an exhaustive knowledge of Thomas and of contemporary theories of action, Professor Brock provides a new interpretation of Thomas' thought on human action and exposes the incoherence of theories which place an exclusive emphasis on the morality of subjective intention

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'Considered as both a philosophical study and as an interpretation of Aquinas, this is a first-rate book... Brock's lucid and illuminating analysis offers much of value to both intellectual historians and theologians, as well as to philosophers.' Jean Porter, Theological Studies' ...a remarkable book. It remains for others to draw out the theological and ethical implications of Brock's work, which makes both a philosophically compelling and exegetically sound case for the analogy of action in Aquinas. The work is so thorough and so lucid that no students of Aquinas or of contemporary action theory can afford to neglect it.' Thomas S. Hibbs, Boston College 'Other may find reasons to dissent from Brock's conclusions, but few will come to doubt the importance of his achievement. His treatment of Aquinas's account of action exhibits a rare combinations of rigor and learning. It is, no doubt, the best we have.' John R. Bowlin, The Thomist 'Considered as both a philosophical study and as an interpretation of Aquinas, this is a first-rate book... Brock's lucid and illuminating analysis offers much of value to both intellectual historians and theologians, as well as to philosophers.' --Jean Porter, Theological Studies '...a remarkable book. It remains for others to draw out the theological and ethical implications of Brock's work, which makes both a philosophically compelling and exegetically sound case for the analogy of action in Aquinas. The work is so thorough and so lucid that no students of Aquinas or of contemporary action theory can afford to neglect it.' --Thomas S. Hibbs, Boston College 'Other may find reasons to dissent from Brock's conclusions, but few will come to doubt the importance of his achievement. His treatment of Aquinas's account of action exhibits a rare combinations of rigor and learning. It is, no doubt, the best we have.' --John R. Bowlin, The Thomist "Stephen Brock presents a comprehensive exposition and analysis of Thomas Aquinas's theory of action in general, and human action in particular. The book begins with a well-deserved introduction by Ralph McInerny, and it lives up to the high praise he offers. Both Thomistic scholars and analytic philosophers interested in theories of human action and accountability will find this book a welcome addition to their libraries...This book is clear, informative, and helpful in furthering a proper understanding of Aquinas's theory of action and the various nuanced distinctions it involves. Brock's work is this text is truly a substantive addition to both Thomistic scholarship and the ongoing analytic investigation into human action and responsible agency." -American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly, Fall 2001 * Blurb from reviewer *