A Comparative Analysis of Cicero and Aquinas: Nature and the Natural Law

by Charles P. Nemeth

Overview

In A Comparative Analysis of Cicero and Aquinas, Charles P. Nemeth investigates how, despite their differences, these two figures may be the most compatible brothers in ideas ever conceived in the theory of natural law. Looking to find common threads that run between the philosophies of these two great thinkers of the Classical and Medieval periods, this book aims to determine whether or not there exists a common ground whereby ethical debates and dilemmas can be evaluated. Does comparison between Cicero and Aquinas offer a new pathway for moral measure, based on defined and developed principles? Do they deliver certain moral and ethical principles for human life to which each agree? Instead of a polemical diatribe, comparison between Cicero and Aquinas may edify a method of compromise and afford a more or less restrictive series of judgements about ethical quandaries.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781350009479
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	05/18/2017
Series:	Bloomsbury Studies in Ancient Philosophy
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	208
File size:	506 KB

About the Author

Charles P. Nemeth is Professor and Department Chair of Legal Studies, City University of New York, USA.
Charles P. Nemeth is Professor and Chair: John Jay College of the City University of New York, USA.

Table of Contents

1. Background and Context: Cicero and Aquinas
i. Introduction
ii. The Comparative Setting
iii. Biographical Sketch of Cicero
iv. Biographical Sketch of St. Thomas Aquinas
2. Nature and the Natural Order in Cicero and Aquinas
i. Introduction
ii. Nature as Truth, Science and the Natural Order
iii. Comparative Conclusion: Cicero and Aquinas: Nature and Natural Order
3. Cicero and Aquinas: Nature and Reason
i. Nature and Reason
ii. Cicero on Reason
iii. Aquinas on Reason
iv. The Compatibility of Cicero and Aquinas: Nature, Reason and Virtue
4. Cicero and Aquinas on the Natural Law
i. Introduction
ii. Cicero on the Natural Law
iii. Aquinas on the Natural Law
iv. Compatibility on the Natural Law: Cicero and Aquinas
5. Cicero and Aquinas: Compatibility and Contrast
i. General Observations on Cicero and Aquinas: Nature, the Natural Order, Reason and the Natural Law
ii. Whether Cicero and Aquinas Agree on the Role of Nature and the Natural Order
iii. Whether Cicero and Aquinas see Nature and Reason as Essential to their Natural Law Philosophy
iv. Whether the Natural Law of Cicero and Aquinas are Compatible
v. Conclusion: Implications for Natural Law Reasoning
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

[An] excellent book that is well worth the read. The topic itself is fascinating and the learned author's familiarity with both Cicero and Aquinas is impressive ... the book is an excellent read which provides fascinating biographical information in a very reader-friendly format.
Reading Religion

Nemeth does a good job in showing both the similarities and differences of Aquinas's and Cicero's writings on natural law. This book is recommended for both universities and seminaries.
Catholic Library World

This new comparative analysis of Cicero and Aquinas is superbly clear, accessible and cogent not only for non-specialist reading audiences but also for classical, medieval, and modern jurisprudential scholars, theologians, and academics. I have a very high level of confidence that A Comparative Analysis of Cicero and St. Thomas Aquinas: Nature and the Natural Law will be a much needed addition to the current body of scholarly writings.

From the Publisher