The Modern Scholar: The Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas

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.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©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.

30 of 31 people found this review helpful

It's quite comprehensible, just not idiot proof...

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.

24 of 25 people found this review helpful

An Extremely Valuable Contribution

What made the experience of listening to The Modern Scholar the most enjoyable?

St. Thomas Aquinas, is without any doubt, the most brilliant human being who has ever lived. He completely systemized theology (as well as philosophy). He built upon and corrected such giants as St. Augustine, the great pagan philosopher Plato, and completed what was left to us by the greatest of all pagan philosophers, Aristotle.
St. Thomas Aquinas' most important body of work, the Summa Theologiae, while intimidating to modern readers, is brought to life and made readily understandable by Peter Kreeft. I cannot say enough about how impressed I am with this with this book!

Any additional comments?

My only additional comment is to encourage any reader/listener with an interest in theology, philosophy/epistemology to read or listen to this book. No prior education or training in philosophy is required to understand and appreciate it.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Great Synthesis

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.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

great summation

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.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Fantastic!

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.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Fascinating expose

This is still pretty dense, I had to listen to several chapters more than once to digest. I am very much in love with Aquinas though, and Kreefts book helped to flush out many of Aquinas' ideas.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Seekers will find peace here!

tremendous overview of all types of philosophy and integration of the more pertinent points. This professor is superior.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

my aquinas interest satisfied

I chose this book because I could not find a copy of the Summa Theologiae to listen to. I soon found out why as the author / narrator hints towards a 4000 page scripture... so I settled in and allowed the summary and interpretation to be fed to me in spoon-fulls by Prof. Kreeft. As a basement philosopher working my way through the great philosophers, the author manages to build Aquinas up as my favorite philosopher. The philosophy is succinctly described in understandable terms and satisfied everything I hoped to get from the book.

The author did at times come across as unenthusiastic with a rather academic tone taken to the reading. This is not a poor performance by any stretch of the imagination - but it is not a performer reading academic literature. Rather a professor unassumingly sharing some notes with those prepared to listen. I grew fond of the style.

The additional content shared with the book is also a added benefit for those who want to re-cap on some of the topics as let's face it, with this kind of topic, you are unlikely to grasp or remember everything on the first listen.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Astounding

I liked the book very much, it seems that the author has different opinions on Aquinas than Edward Feser, I think I prefer Feser's book still.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great food for thought

This is an excellent series of introductory lessons on the philosophy that most shaped Western Europe. The professor has a deep knowledge of his subject that he effortlessly expresses in a non dense verbal style. Personally I would have liked a little more attention on the sources of Thomas Aquinas' philosophy particularly the tension between Aristotle and Plato, with a deeper reference to his debt to the arabic commentators on aristotle, however, the series of well thought out lectures are very listenable to and approachable by all.

Thoroughly reccommended.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Still a great series.

Some fascinating biography and anecdotes, even if you're familiar with his philosophy. Worth a listen.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Clear and in lightning

Has helped me 'get into' Philosophy and the work of Aquinas; something I had studies before I started my training to be a Catholic priest.