The Soul

Psychology that ignores the soul is indeed an odd sort of psychology. But such it is in many colleges today. On the basis of thoroughgoing materialism it has to be nothing more than the physiology of the nervous system. Hence a sound philosophical study of the soul is timely. Where are we to find an exposition and proof of the basic truths on which the structure of psychology must be erected? They are in St. Thomas' DE ANIMA. This opusculum discusses twenty-one questions about the soul, among which are the following: Whether the angel and the human soul differ specifically. Whether the soul is in the whole body and in each part of it. Whether the soul is identical with its powers. Whether the soul, existing apart from the body, can suffer punishment by corporeal fire. Doctor Rowan's translation, though a faithful rendition of the original, is in clear, readable English. The value of this version is greatly enhanced by copious footnotes of two kinds: exact citations of authors (e.g., Aristotle, St. Augustine) to whom St. Thomas refers; explanations of terms and views that otherwise might be obscure to modern readers. The translator has also provided a comprehensive index.