Commentaria in Summam contra Gentiles, Liber III
Francesco Silvestri (1474–1528)
Commentaria in Summam contra Gentiles
First published 1926
In Book III of the Commentaria in Summam contra Gentiles, Francesco Silvestri of Ferrara (Ferrariensis) expounds Aquinas's account of providence, human happiness, moral action, and divine grace. The commentary accompanies the Leonine text in volume XIV (1926). The present digital edition includes the Latin text and an English translation.
Prooemium
Caput I: Quod Omne Agens Agit propter Finem
Caput II: Quod Omne Agens Agit propter Bonum
Caput III: Quod Malum est Praeter Intentionem in Rebus
Caput IV: Rationes Quibus Videtur Probari quod Malum non Sit Praeter Intentionem
Because against the determined truth there are certain arguments that present difficulty, St. Thomas, in order that the complete and whole truth may be possessed, first adduces them, and second resolves them, in the following chapter1.
I. As to the first, he argues first thus. Evil in natural things is always: since corruption is always joined to generation. In voluntary things also sin happens in the greater number of cases: since it is difficult to act according to virtue, II Ethics. Therefore evil does not occur outside of intention. — The consequence is proved. Because what is outside of intention is fortuitous and casual, and an accident occurring in the fewer cases.
Second2. In the third book of the Ethics it is said that malice is voluntary. Therefore evil is not outside of will, or intention.
Third3. Corruption is a natural change. Therefore its end, which is a privation having the character of evil, is intended by nature. — The consequence is proved. Because every natural motion has an intended end.