Friendship and the Moral Life

by Paul J. Wadell

Overview

Friendship and the Moral Life is not simply a theoretical argument about how moral theology might be done if it took friendship more seriously. Rather, the book exhibits how without friendship, our lives are morally not worth living. The book begins with a consideration of why a new model of the moral life is needed. Wadell then examines the ethics of Aristotle, who viewed the moral life as based on a specific understanding of the purpose of being human, with friendship being an important factor in enabling people to acquire virtues necessary for achieving this purpose. Through the thought of Augustine, Aelred of Reivaulx, and Karl Barth, the question is raised whether friendship is at odds with Christian love or whether their relation depends on one's narrative account of friendship. Thomas Aquinas' understanding of charity as friendship with God is examined to clarify this relationship.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780268096786
Publisher:	University of Notre Dame Press
Publication date:	03/16/1994
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	208
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Paul J. Wadell, C.P., is associate professor of religious studies at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin.

Editorial Reviews

Wadell (ethics, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago) reconceptualizes moral theology, establishing friendship as central to the moral purpose of life, and integral to Christianity. In this connection he examines Aristotole, Augustine, Karl Barth, Thomas Aquinas, and others. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

"Wadell has made a convincing case for the necessity of rediscovering Aristotelian and Christian moral principles, particularly those concerning friendship. He demonstrates, with the seasoning of deep personal insight, that seeing friendship with God as the end of the moral life, and friendship with others as indispensable to achieving that goal, is crucial for achieving a full understanding of the moral life." —Review of Metaphysics

From the Publisher

"Wadell has made a convincing case for the necessity of rediscovering Aristotelian and Christian moral principles, particularly those concerning friendship. He demonstrates, with the seasoning of deep personal insight, that seeing friendship with God as the end of the moral life, and friendship with others as indispensable to achieving that goal, is crucial for achieving a full understanding of the moral life."

Review of Metaphysics

Recommended to the general reader. [Wadell] takes as a model for the moral life the common and universal experience of friendship and introduces his project in an engaging, personal, and anecdotal style.

America

"This book offers both a substantive discussion of friendship in the Christian life and an approach to method in Christian ethics. A clear and helpful addition to the literature on friendship and deserves attention."

Religious Studies Review