Brian Davies O.P. – författare

The De Malo represents some of Aquinas'' most mature thinking on goodness, badness, and human agency. In it he examines the full range of questions associated with evil: its origin, its nature, its relation to good, and its compatability with the existence of an omnipotent, benevolent God. This edition offers Richard Regan''s new, clear readable English translation, based on the Leonine Commission''s authoritative edition of the Latin text. Brian Davies has provided an extensive introduction and notes. (Please note: this edition does not include the Latin text).

If it is reasonable to believe in God, the ways in which God is thought of and spoken of deserve careful attention. This book looks carefully at the philosophical implications for thinking and speaking about God, the problems that have arisen and still arise, and the various solutions that have been proposed. In Part One Brian Davies examines the question of the reality of God. Do we have reason to believe in God? Arguments are discussed based on the beginning of the universe, its continued existence, the order it exhibits, experience of God, and the basis of morality. Finally, the Ontological Argument, based on the concept of God, is examined. Part Two looks at questions raised by what is said about God. Is talk about God meaningless? If not, in what sense can we talk about God? What does it mean to say that God is eternal and changeless? What does it mean to say that God is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent and good? Does the existence of evil invalidate belief in God?Part Three considers more precisely Christian belief in God. Is there a rational basis for Christianity? How does this relate to faith? Can we make sense of the doctrines of the Incarnation and the Trinity? Is prayer reasonable?Throughout the book arguments from all sides are treated readably but rigorously. There is generous provision of searching questions for discussion and further reading.