Aquinas on Efficient Causation and Causal Powers
Aquinas on Efficient Causation and Causal Powers
In this innovative book, Gloria Frost reconstructs and analyses Aquinas's theories on efficient causation and causal powers, focusing specifically on natural causal powers and efficient causation in nature. Frost presents each element of Aquinas's theories one by one, comparing them with other theories, as well as examining the philosophical and interpretive ambiguities in Aquinas's thought and proposing fresh solutions to conceptual difficulties. Her discussion includes explanations of Aquinas's technical scholastic terminology in jargon-free prose, as well as background on medieval scientific views - including ordinary language explanations of the medieval physical theories which Aquinas assumed in formulating his views on causation and causal powers. The resulting volume is a rich exploration of a central philosophical topic in medieval philosophy and beyond, and will be valuable especially for scholars and advanced students working on Aquinas and on medieval natural philosophy.
- Proposes original solutions to interpretive and conceptual difficulties in Aquinas's thought
- Includes ordinary language explanations of the medieval physical theories which Aquinas assumed in formulating his views on causation and causal powers
- Presents each element of the theory one by one making Aquinas's views accessible to non-specialists and students
Reviews & endorsements
'Frost's volume, as a whole, is a work of the finest scholarship. She demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the material, is well acquainted with the relevant primary and secondary sources, and explains everything to the reader in a clear, straightforward manner with a number of helpful illustrations.' Gregory T. Doolan, The Thomist
'Frost's account of Aquinas on causation is exemplary. It is written with great clarity and avoids jargon … Frost's book is now the definitive 'go-to' book for anyone who wants to get a detailed understanding of Aquinas on efficient causation. I would add that it is a book that any philosopher interested in causation should read … not only as an excellent essay in the history of philosophy but also as a distinguished contribution to philosophy as such.' Brian Davies, Journal of the History of Philosophy
Product details
April 2024Paperback
9781009225380
251 pages
229 × 152 × 13 mm
0.37kg
Available
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Part I. The Elements of Paradigm Instances of Efficient Causation:
- 1. Background and Overview of Aquinas's Theories
- 2. Efficient Causation: The Paradigm Case and its Features and Conditions
- 3. Active Powers
- 4. Natural Inclination and Final Causality
- 5. Passive Powers
- 6. Action and Passion
- Part II. Complications:
- 7: Non-Paradigm Cases: Efficient Causes within Networks, Absences and Sine Qua Non Causation
- 8. Efficient Causes Which Act Through Another Cause's Power
- Conclusion.
