The Modern Scholar: The Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas

By: Prof. Peter Kreeft

Narrated by: Peter Kreeft

Length: 7 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

An enthusiastic admirer of the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas, professor and philosopher Peter Kreeft details the rational thought and precise literary talent that established Aquinas as the foremost thinker of his time - and as the most important philosopher for the almost 200 years between Aristotle and Descartes.

A landmark of philosophical achievement, Aquinas's Summa Theologica has given theologians and philosophers much to discuss since the 13th century. Peter Kreeft explains why.

©2009 Peter Kreeft (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Just what an introduction to Aquinas should be.

Simply put, an introduction to any philosopher should give the reader/listener a good foundation for further exploration. Kreeft does this admirably. After listening I felt like I had a great foundation for reading Thomas, and because of Kreeft's presentation, I wanted to do so.

I also appreciate the fact that Kreeft does not hide his loyalties behind a veneer of academic objectivity. Who else to present Thomism than a Catholic professor of philosophy? Who else to explain Thomas than someone who shares the same convictions?

Best of all, Kreeft's presentation leaves us with some very thought provoking comparisons of Scholasticism/Thomism with modern (e.g., Descartes) and post-modern (a la Foucault) philosophy.

In a word: masterful.

left me wanting more

Professor Peter Kreeft organized the the audiobook in a manner that is easy to follow. His voice makes it easy to listen to as well. He tried to explain St Thomas' arguments in a simplistic manner but giving an in depth analysis at the same time. Furthermore, you will need to have background knowledge on certain philosophers and thinkers to fully grasp its content. I may have to re-listen to this after reading upon certain philosophers that were mentioned. But that is the beauty of it. I get to quench my thirst for knowledge!

The content consisted of a commentary, analysis, and explanation of St. Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologiea, including topics on Theology, ethics, law, and logic and reason. As the title suggests, it revolves around Philosophy and Theology. I personally wanted to hear more about economic thought because of my course but it was worth my time.

Great introduction to Saint Thomas's philosophy

This has been my first book on Saint Thomas's philosophy and I have enjoyed it a lot.

Better than expected

the perennial philosophy was better than I expected.
Great review of the highlights of thomism. Purchase with confidence. Kreeft clearly lays it out.

Brilliant

Brilliantly written, explained, and narrated. I get to the end and start it over again and again. Thanks for also providing the study guide.

Time Well Spent For Sure

Regardless of your religious affiliation - or no affiliation at all - you will find this lecture series engaging. If the name Thomas Aquinas is someone whose name rings a bell but you don’t know enough about him, this is the place to start.

Saint Thomas Aquinas, Lover

Like Western art and literature, Western philosophy was far more useful and relevant when it was the handmaid of the Faith. As the primary architect of the Medieval synthesis of faith and reason, Aquinas defuses all our debilitating modern conflicts--religion vs science, the spiritual vs the material, dogmatism vs skepticism--with a disarming common sense, and the true origin and object of our existence (and our happiness) becomes plain.

As Professor Kreeft points out, these syntheses are no mere compromises, but “higher syntheses”, mountaintops offering a broader vista of the truth. After finishing each lecture, you may not be able to thoroughly expound what you’ve just heard, but you will feel distinctly elevated. And not just intellectually. “We often forget,” Kreeft observes, “that dramatic, rebellious, countercultural streak in Aquinas that led him to join the Dominicans; he was not a cold fish, he was a lover”.

Our professor’s assurance that we shouldn’t expect to grasp every philosophical concept at first sight is a good example of his own commonsense approach. Though necessarily cursory, selective, and interlaced with helpful analogies, these lectures are by no means idiot-proof. I’m not sure about Professor Kreeft’s assertion that “you don’t need a PhD to be a Thomist”, but you do need Professor Kreeft if you want to begin to understand Aquinas.

Great book on Aquinas

Comprehensive view on Aquinas view on most topics. metaphysics, epistemology, psychology, morality , law. The author just gave enough details to allow me to understand the key points without losing the big picture of Thomism.

I learned a lot.

A great way to learn more about an important philosopher. I love Kreeft’s voice / narration.

Philosophy and Common Sense

The exposition of Thomas Aquinas's philosophy and the description of his systematic approach are two features of this enlightening course. The lectures are clear and the subjects are presented in an order that facilitates the understanding of Aquinas thought. Professor Peter Kreeft argues that Aquinas, when discussed philosophy's questions, often assumes the default position, the common sense answer. Because he had a deep understanding of his predecessors, he could articulate their thought pointing to what he considered their achievements and faults. In such a careful study, the extreme positions are often avoided. The course succeeds in presenting Aquinas thought and it relevance.