Aquinas on the nature and treatment of animals
By: Judith Barad.
Publisher: International Scholars Publications
Published: 1995
Place of publication: San Francisco, Calif
Language: eng
Number of pages: 195
Subjects: Thomas, Aquinas, Saint, 1225?-1274.; Animals -- Religious aspects -- Christianity -- History of doctrines -- Middle Ages, 600-1500.; Animal welfare -- Religious aspects -- Christianity -- History of doctrines -- Middle Ages, 600-1500.; Animal welfare -- Moral and ethical aspects.
Description: Unlike contemporary philosophers of his time, Aquinas did not think one could adequately study human nature apart from the world of nature and animal life. Dr. Barad argues that Thomas Aquinas incorporates evolutionary concepts into many of his teachings.

While elements of a proto-Darwinian formulation exist and while on the ontological and epistemological levels Aquinas emphasizes the continuity between human and other animals, some of his ethical exhortations regarding animals do not take this continuity into account.

This study examines Aquinas' inconsistency in these areas and suggests how his various texts can be reconciled. Barad provides a coherent foundation for a contemporary consideration of the rights of animals compatible with evolutionary theory.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [185]-189) and index.