David Mills Daniel Livres

The SCM Briefly series offers concise summaries of key philosophical and theological texts, tailored for A level and undergraduate students. Each volume features line-by-line analysis and relevant quotes to enhance understanding of the original works. Additionally, a contextual introduction about the author and their writings sets the stage, while a glossary of philosophical terms aids in comprehension, making these volumes valuable resources for students navigating complex concepts.

Late in his career, Kant explores the intersection of morality and religion, arguing that Christianity possesses a moral core that transcends its historical and ritualistic elements. He posits that this core allows Christianity to be considered a moral world religion. This work is regarded as essential for those studying theology and philosophy, as it addresses the implications of transcendental criticism on theological thought, making it a significant text in Kant's oeuvre.

The book presents Jeremy Bentham's groundbreaking ideas on jurisprudence, emphasizing that laws should serve societal needs rather than uphold existing norms. It argues that human behavior is driven by the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain, positioning the principle of "the greatest happiness of the greatest number" as the cornerstone of ethics and legal systems. Bentham's work seeks to reformulate the relationship between morality and legislation, advocating for a utilitarian approach to lawmaking.

Targeted at A level and university students, this series provides concise summaries of complex philosophical texts, particularly in philosophy and philosophy of religion. The selected works are integral to the curriculum yet often challenging for learners. By offering clear explanations, the SCM Briefly series aims to enhance understanding and facilitate academic success in these subjects across UK institutions.

Focusing on man's pursuit of the highest end, the second part of Aquinas' Summa Theologica explores key theological concepts through a structured series of questions and assertions. It serves as a comprehensive manual for understanding the Catholic faith, drawing on influential thinkers like Aristotle and St. Augustine. This guide provides a detailed yet succinct analysis of Aquinas' reasoning, referencing the original text to enrich the reader's comprehension of topics such as sin and just war, while continuing from the discussions in Part I.

The book presents a novel theory of money, contrasting traditional views from thinkers like Adam Smith and Karl Marx. Goodchild argues that money is created beyond reserves, functioning as both credit and debt. This duality necessitates a social demand for profit and further money creation to settle debts, driving global economic expansion. He posits that money transcends mere currency, becoming a supreme value and obligation, effectively replacing God as the dominant global religion, despite widespread disbelief in its foundational principles.

Exploring the tension between individual faith and societal norms, this work presents a critique of Hegel's communitarian philosophy. Through the biblical narrative of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac, Kierkegaard delves into the complexities of personal belief and the nature of faith. Written under the pseudonym Johannes de Silentio, it reflects his disdain for the Danish Church and his emphasis on the individual's relationship with God. This early work lays the groundwork for Kierkegaard's existential thought, challenging readers to consider the nature of true faith.

Focusing on the nature of justice, this philosophical masterpiece delves into political theory and literature, presenting complex ideas that challenge readers. Central to the narrative is Socrates, Plato's mentor, whose trial and execution deeply influenced the work. The Republic explores the role of the philosopher, alongside metaphysical and epistemological questions, reflecting Plato's commitment to establishing a society grounded in eternal ideals of truth, goodness, and justice.

Focusing on the application of logic to ethical inquiry, George Edward Moore's work establishes a foundational framework for 20th-century ethical theory. He challenges false premises surrounding the definition of good, arguing that common sense beliefs are valid. The book's impact on notable philosophers like Russell and Wittgenstein underscores its significance in meta-ethics. This guide aims to make Moore's groundbreaking ideas accessible, highlighting their relevance in understanding contemporary ethical discourse.

This Briefly guide is a summary of Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche. Designed to assist AS and A level students, as well as university students and the general reader, in acquiring knowledge and understanding of this key philosophical text, enabling the reader to follow each development in the argument as it occurs.