Aquinas on the nature and treatment of animals
Book Description
In this thoughtful exploration of medieval philosophy and contemporary ethics, Judith A. Barad reveals how Thomas Aquinas approached the natural world with remarkable sophistication for his era. Rather than viewing humans as separate from the animal kingdom, Aquinas recognized deep connections between human nature and the broader tapestry of life surrounding us.
Barad demonstrates how this thirteenth-century theologian incorporated ideas that would later echo in evolutionary thinking, showing surprising continuity between humans and other creatures on both philosophical and knowledge-based levels. Yet she also uncovers a fascinating tension within Aquinas's work, where his ethical teachings about animals sometimes contradicted his more integrated understanding of nature's interconnectedness.
This scholarly yet accessible study addresses these apparent inconsistencies head-on, offering readers a pathway to reconcile different aspects of Aquinas's thought. For those seeking to understand how ancient wisdom can inform modern questions about our relationship with animals, Barad provides a coherent framework that bridges medieval theology with contemporary evolutionary science.
The book offers valuable insights for anyone exploring the spiritual dimensions of our connection to the natural world, presenting a foundation for considering animal welfare that honors both traditional religious thought and modern scientific understanding. Through careful analysis, Barad shows how timeless philosophical questions about our place in creation remain deeply relevant today.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~5 hours)
📄 Length: 195 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Moral and ethical aspects of Animal welfare
- ✓ Explore Animals
- ✓ Explore History of doctrines
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects of Animals
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Thomas, aquinas, saint, 1225?-1274
- ✓ Explore Animal welfare
