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
Caput V: Solutio Rationum Praemissarum
Caput VI: Quod Malum non est Aliqua Essentia
Caput VII: Rationes Quibus Videtur Probari quod Malum Sit Natura vel Res Aliqua
Against the posited conclusion certain objections are made, which St. Thomas first recounts; secondly, he resolves them, in the following chapter1.
I. As to the first, some argue first thus. Evil is the specific difference of a moral habit and act: since vice is an evil habit according to its species. Therefore it gives species to certain things. Therefore it is some essence.
Secondly. Good and evil are contraries. Therefore etc. — The consequence is proved: because each of the contraries is a certain nature.
Thirdly. Good and evil are said to be the genera of contraries by Aristotle. Therefore etc. — The consequence is proved: because every genus has some essence and nature.
Fourthly. Evil acts: for it corrupts good. Therefore etc. — The consequence is clear: because everything that acts is some thing.
Fifthly. Among evils one is found to be worse than another. Therefore etc. — The consequence is proved: because things in which greater and less are found must be certain things having an order.
Sixthly. Evil is in the world. Therefore etc. — The consequence is proved: because thing and being are convertible.