Aquinas on Being and Essence

Joseph Bobik is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Notre Dame. He is the author of numerous books, including Aquinas On Matter and Form and the Elements (University of Notre Dame Press, 1998), among others.

"Bobik's commentary is very useful in explaining notions that could mislead many readers of On Being and Essence. He repeatedly draws attention to the meaning of the important distinction between first and second intentions, the differing uses of the term 'matter,' and the Thomistic conception of metaphysics. On the whole, Bobik has a critical and open approach to the text and a strong appreciation of the need for clarity and precision. His commentary should prove illuminating to most students and teachers on Aquinas." —Journal of History of Philosophy"This book has but one aim: to present an intelligible interpretation of the doctrines put forth by St. Thomas Aquinas in his treatise On Being and Essence. It considers uses of the words 'being' and 'essence,' it investigates the essence of natural substances, the immateriality of the human soul, and the existence and the essence of God." —Catholic Book Review