Humanae Vitae : A Generation Later

Janet E Smith

ISBN 10: 0813207401 / ISBN 13: 9780813207407

Published by Catholic University Of America Press Nov 1991, 1991

About this Item

Neuware - Rather than end the debate over artificial means of contraception once and for all, the encyclical letter ''Humanae Vitae'' only energized the debate when it appeared in 1968, and that debate continues to this day. Janet E. Smith presents a comprehensive review of this issue from a philosophical and theological perspective. Tracing the emergence of the debate from the mid-1960s and reviewing the documents from the Special Papal Commission established to advise Pope Paul V1, Smith also examines the Catholic Church's position on marriage, which provides the context for its condemnation of contraception. Smith analyzes the various moral principles that are crucial to an understanding of ''Humanae Vitae''. She offers new renderings of several traditional arguments based on natural law, among which is an argument based on personalist values. Throughout the book, Smith's observations and perceptions contribute to a thought-provoking study.

Seller Inventory # 9780813207407

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Humanae Vitae : A Generation Later
• Publisher: Catholic University Of America Press Nov 1991
• Publication Date: 1991
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0813207401
• ISBN 13: 9780813207407
• Binding: Taschenbuch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 229W x 153H x 27D millimeters 229 millimeters width by 153 millimeters height by 27 millimeters depth
• Weight: 721 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Rather than end the debate over artificial means of contraception once and for all, the encyclical letter Humane Vitae only energized the debate when it appeared in 1968, and that debate continues to this day. Janet E. Smith presents a comprehensive review of this issue from a philosophical and theological perspective. Tracing the emergence of the debate from the mid-1960s and reviewing the documents from the Special Papl Commission established to advise Pope Paul VI, Smith also examines the Catholic Church's position on marriage, which provides context for its condemnation of contraception.

Janet E. Smith is assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Dallas. She has published articles in such journals as The Thomist, International Philosophical Quarterly, and The New Scholasticism

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From Library Journal

Smith reviews the controversies preceding and following Pope Paul VI's 1968 encyclical forbidding artificial birth control, giving special attention to the views of today's Pope John Paul II. Agreeing with the Vatican's stance, he typically presents dissenting viewpoints briefly, then refutes them with lengthy reviews of the works of theologians/philosophers opposing contraception. Contemporary overpopulation concerns receive minimal attention, though other factors are thoroughly discussed. Smith includes a new annotated translation of the encyclical. His densely argued, unyielding approach probably will convert few birth control advocates. Buy where interest warrants.
- Richard S. Watts, San Bernardino Cty. Lib., Cal.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.