ETHICS IN COMP GAMES/CINEMA questions

Readings from the Summa Theologiae of Thomas Aquinas

Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologiae (summary of theology) is his systematic response to the theological and philosophical questions of the Christian faith. The best way to read him is not straight through, but with an eye out for his comments on particular topics. I have selected five brief portions that will inform our discussion of pleasure and entertainment in Christian thought.

His Summa is divided into several parts: The first part, the first part of the second part, the second part of the second part, and the third part. That’s the first number in Roman numerals below. Then there is a chapter number, and lastly, the numbers of the articles within the chapter. The numbers below have hyperlinks to an online version of the Summa, which will be the easiest way to do the reading.

Each article is titled with a question that Aquinas will answer. He first voices a number of objections, usually from recognized authorities. Then he provides his own perspective. Finally, he answers the objections.

On pleasure:

ST I-II 25.2

On beauty and contemplation:

ST I-II 31.3-4

On human law:

ST I-II 96.2-3

On games:

ST II-II 168.2-4

On art and sin:

ST II-II 169.2