Thomism and Tradition: From Rivulets to the Fountain's Source

Jacques Maritain, in The Angelic Doctor (1930), emphasized the need for a "living Thomism" that "will enter into the life of the age and work for the good of the world;" a philosophy which passes on the stability of "spirituality and life," "nontemporal values; eternal acquisitions." As a celebrated disciple of St. Thomas Aquinas, Maritain gathered a rich and fertile harvest which was the fruit of original insight and an extension, reconciliation, and correction of various intellectual traditions.

This collection of essays continues what Maritain knew as the exchange between the Church, who commissioned St. Thomas to speak to the intellect, and the intellect, which is urged to go and listen to St. Thomas. It is neither a documentary of schools of Thomism nor a comprehensive survey of competing traditions. Rather, it tracks some high points in the continued conversation within the tradition of Thomism, between followers of St. Thomas and Maritain.

Maritain predicted that because the Angelic Doctor "pushed his philosophic inquiry into the reasons and principles of things," the seeds of truth would be unfolded by later masters with a "goodly yield." It is the hope that the contributors to this volume will resemble the cascading beauty of a living fountain, abundant and fresh, and drawn back to its source.

Contributors include: James D. Capehart, John J. Conley, SJ, Travis Dumsday, Francis Feingold, James G. Hanink, Anne Frances Ai Le, OP, Matthew Levering, Christopher Lutz, Matthew Minerd, Mark Moes, Christopher L. Ragusa, Hannah Woldum Ragusa, Alice M. Ramos, Thomas Rourke, Denis A. Scrandis, Marco Stango, Michael Durham Torre, and Kelsy Tuning.

Heather M. Erb is associate professor of philosophy at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania and teaches the Great Books in the Ignatius-Angelicum Liberal Studies Program at Angelicum Academy.