The Modern Scholar: The Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas

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.

This lecturer is a master of condensing and explaining philosophical concepts. He describes things in a general way where appropriate. However, with a good deal of Aquinas' thought there is no substitute for proceeding through the argument step by step. I felt the lecturer did a great job of this. If you find it incomprehensible I would suggest a second (or third) listen. Good philosophy rewards patience.

This book is very helpful in understanding the philosophy of this great character. It's simple to follow, very descriptive and a very enjoyable listen.

What a fabulous overview of Thomism! It's going to take me a few times through, but this series of lectures presents the brilliant work of St. Thomas Aquinas in a very understandable way.

It's a pretty good summary of the summa theologica I really enjoyed it made me want to read the rest of it though it isn't available on audiobook right now if anyone is interested look for it in libravox. Also the narrator was pretty good.

One of my favorite Audible books.

Aquinas. He is smart and relevant today.

Very engaging and kept your interest.

No

I listened to Peter Kraft's other lecture, faith and reason, and so I was hoping this attempt to condense Thomasm into manageable length would be as pleasing, I, however, was dissappointed, not only was the lecture slightly monotonous, the content was far from clear. I hope after repeatedly listening, I'd understand better.

Aquinas has always been a favorite of mine. And Kreeft puts forth lots of examples of Aquinas knack for getting at, what in his opinion was, truth about the cosmos and our place in it. Kreeft very much as a Christian point of view so the listener needs to keep that overt bias in mind. If you are looking for an objective treatment of Aquinas this is NOT your book. Aquinas needs to be placed in the context of a continuum of human thought and quest for truth. I can cut through the professors bias and still get at the fascinating intellect that made Aquinas one of the great minds of any age.