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Summa Theologica
The Cardinal Virtues: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance
Richard J. Regan's new translation of texts from Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica II–II--on the virtues prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance--combines accuracy with an accessibility unmatched by previous presentations of these texts. While remaining true to Aquinas' Latin and preserving a question-and-answer format, the translation judiciously omits references and citations unessential to the primary argument. It thereby clears a path through the original especially suitable for beginning students of Aquinas. Regan's Introduction carefully situates Aquinas' analysis of these virtues within the greater ethical system of the Summa Theologica , and each selection is introduced by a thoughtful headnote. A glossary of key terms and a select bibliography are also included.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1274
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About the author
Thomas Aquinas
2,546 books1,134 followersPhilosophy of Saint Thomas Aquinas, a Dominican friar and theologian of Italy and the most influential thinker of the medieval period, combined doctrine of Aristotle and elements of Neoplatonism, a system that Plotinus and his successors developed and based on that of Plato, within a context of Christian thought; his works include the
Summa contra gentiles
(1259-1264) and the
Summa theologiae
or theologica (1266-1273).
Saint Albertus Magnus taught Saint Thomas Aquinas.
People ably note this priest, sometimes styled of Aquin or Aquino, as a scholastic. The Roman Catholic tradition honors him as a "doctor of the Church."
Aquinas lived at a critical juncture of western culture when the arrival of the Aristotelian corpus in Latin translation reopened the question of the relation between faith and reason, calling into question the modus vivendi that obtained for centuries. This crisis flared just as people founded universities. Thomas after early studies at Montecassino moved to the University of Naples, where he met members of the new Dominican order. At Naples too, Thomas first extended contact with the new learning. He joined the Dominican order and then went north to study with Albertus Magnus, author of a paraphrase of the Aristotelian corpus. Thomas completed his studies at the University of Paris, formed out the monastic schools on the left bank and the cathedral school at Notre Dame. In two stints as a regent master, Thomas defended the mendicant orders and of greater historical importance countered both the interpretations of Averroës of Aristotle and the Franciscan tendency to reject Greek philosophy. The result, a new modus vivendi between faith and philosophy, survived until the rise of the new physics. The Catholic Church over the centuries regularly and consistently reaffirmed the central importance of work of Thomas for understanding its teachings concerning the Christian revelation, and his close textual commentaries on Aristotle represent a cultural resource, now receiving increased recognition.
Saint Albertus Magnus taught Saint Thomas Aquinas.
People ably note this priest, sometimes styled of Aquin or Aquino, as a scholastic. The Roman Catholic tradition honors him as a "doctor of the Church."
Aquinas lived at a critical juncture of western culture when the arrival of the Aristotelian corpus in Latin translation reopened the question of the relation between faith and reason, calling into question the modus vivendi that obtained for centuries. This crisis flared just as people founded universities. Thomas after early studies at Montecassino moved to the University of Naples, where he met members of the new Dominican order. At Naples too, Thomas first extended contact with the new learning. He joined the Dominican order and then went north to study with Albertus Magnus, author of a paraphrase of the Aristotelian corpus. Thomas completed his studies at the University of Paris, formed out the monastic schools on the left bank and the cathedral school at Notre Dame. In two stints as a regent master, Thomas defended the mendicant orders and of greater historical importance countered both the interpretations of Averroës of Aristotle and the Franciscan tendency to reject Greek philosophy. The result, a new modus vivendi between faith and philosophy, survived until the rise of the new physics. The Catholic Church over the centuries regularly and consistently reaffirmed the central importance of work of Thomas for understanding its teachings concerning the Christian revelation, and his close textual commentaries on Aristotle represent a cultural resource, now receiving increased recognition.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 26, 2025
Richard J. Regan's relatively new translation of texts from Thomas Aquinas' “The Cardinal Virtues”: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance is accessible and accurate. Regan has provided an unmatched introduction and an outstanding glossary to accompany the text.
Regan’s translation does justice to Aquinas' Latin, preserves the objection-and-answer format, and limits references to secondary sources. Regan assiduously explains Aquinas' analysis of the virtues within the greater ethical system of the “Summa.”
Selections are introduced by brief notes, and technical terms receive their due in Regan’s glossary. A more extensive bibliography would have enhanced the book.
Regan’s translation does justice to Aquinas' Latin, preserves the objection-and-answer format, and limits references to secondary sources. Regan assiduously explains Aquinas' analysis of the virtues within the greater ethical system of the “Summa.”
Selections are introduced by brief notes, and technical terms receive their due in Regan’s glossary. A more extensive bibliography would have enhanced the book.
August 6, 2023
Long but a highlight.
November 27, 2011
Very accessible translation and edition of an excerpt from Aquinas’ Summa Theologica covering the Cardinal Virtues of Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance. Richard Regan as arranged Aquinas’ individual replies to each question in a concise manner, this is helpful for a reader to focus in on Aquinas’ thought. Regan also includes notes to introduce each section which further assistance a reader to be attentive to keys aspects of Aquinas’ thought.
Aquinas’ writing on each virtue is exhaustive and also incorporates the interrelatedness of each virtue to the others. Thus, reading Aquinas’ is a bit of a daunting task but is rewarding in grasping the extent of Aquinas’ thought of The Cardinal Virtues.
Aquinas’ writing on each virtue is exhaustive and also incorporates the interrelatedness of each virtue to the others. Thus, reading Aquinas’ is a bit of a daunting task but is rewarding in grasping the extent of Aquinas’ thought of The Cardinal Virtues.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews