Richard J. Regan is Professor of Political Science, Fordham University
Review
"Those approaching Aquinas from the side of philosophy, and for the first time, have been done a great
service by Richard Regan's selective translation of the first part (prima pars) and the first part of the second
part (prima secundae) of the Summa Theologiae. By focusing on the questions raised and answers given by Aquinas
(and including only the most salient objections and replies), Regan reveals Thomas as a great dialectician, grappling
with issues of perennial philosophical interest. Regan's general introduction and chapter introductions together
enable the reader to see the point and power of Aquinas' discussions."
--John Haldane, University of St. Andrews
Hackett Publishing Company Web Site, April, 2003
Summary
This compact collection of philosophical texts from the Summa Theologica--on God, creation, the soul, human
acts, moral good and evil, love, habits, virtue, and law--is presented newly translated in abridged form and cast
in a modified version of the medieval quaestio. Included are only the most important objections and Aquinas' replies;
appeals to scriptural, theological, and philosophical authorities have been omitted. Unlike the ordering of the
originals, questions and answers are here presented prior to objections and replies; the result is a sharp, rich,
topically organized question-answer presentation of Aquinas' major philosophical arguments within a brief compass.
A general Introduction, headnotes, a glossary, an index, and a select bibliography offer expert guidance to the
work of this major philosopher.
