"Drawing upon the timeless wisdom of Thomas Aquinas, The Natural Law offers clear insights into perplexing ethical dilemmas. The compelling conclusions of Aquinas emerge through a critical examination of contemporary ethical frameworks, including moral relativism, utilitarianism, and Machiavellian politics. In part one, which elucidates the core principles of natural law ethics, the listener will discover fundamental truths underpinning the concepts of right and wrong, which are rooted in the very fabric of our humanity. Part two navigates the ethics of harm, grappling with contentious issues such as capital punishment, just war, and self-defense, while at the same time addressing moral quandaries like sacrificing one life in order to save another. Part three ventures into the intricacies of human societies. The principles examined will shed light upon controversial topics within sexual ethics, such as transgenderism, faithful spousal intimacy, and cloning. The Natural Law invites listeners on an engaging journey of critical inquiry. By challenging prevailing assumptions and provoking self-reflection, it will reshape your understanding of ethics and human nature, ultimately revealing your role and purpose within the universe."
"Living the Good Life presents a brief introduction to virtue and vice, self-control and weakness, misery and happiness. The book contrasts the thought of Aquinas with popular views, such as moral relativism, values clarification, utilitarianism, Kantian deontology, and situation ethics. Following the Socratic dictum 'know thyself,' Steven J. Jensen investigates the interior workings of the human mind, revealing the interplay of reason, will, and emotions.
Jensen ably guides listeners through Aquinas's philosophy and explains the distinction between the moral and intellectual virtues. The moral virtues train our various desires toward the true good, helping us discard our misguided cravings and teaching us to enjoy what is truly worth pursuing. The virtue of justice directs our hearts to the good of others, freeing us from egoism in order to seek a good shared with others. Most important, the virtue of prudence directs our deliberations to discover the true path of life.
Intended as a text for students, beginners of philosophy will gain access to a key aspect of Aquinas's thought, namely, that true happiness is realized not in the animal life of passion and greed but only in the reasonable pursuit of human goods, in which we find true peace and rest from the distractions of this world."
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