Scholasticism, Humanism, and International Relations

James924 · #1 Jun 3, '12, 7:24 pm

I was wondering if there are any good (preferably Catholic) books on the post-reformation battle between Scholasticism and Humanism specifically in International Law, War and Peace, etc., or just books on the teachings of the scholastics on these topics (international Law, War and Peace, etc.).

In my International Relations class all the stuff that discusses this only discusses it from a Humanist perspective. By that I mean that its focus is on Grotius, Hobbes, Locke, et al; but only passing reference is made to Francisco de Vittoria, Suarez, Aquinas, et al.

I'm curious that if the two tended to be in disagreement, then what were the scholastic alternatives or counter-arguments to war and peace theories or international relations theories made by the above mentioned Humanists?

The Catholic encyclopedia barely spares two lines on the international/political science aspects of scholasticism, and although it makes passing reference in its entries on Suarez and Vittoria to their influence on political science/international relations, it doesn't go in depth at all.

Thanks

James924 · #2 Jun 6, '12, 1:26 am

Ahem... bump...

hicetnunc · #3 Jun 6, '12, 8:32 am

Hi James;

Have you read Charles Taylor's magnificent A Secular Age?

It's a weighty tome, but hits all of the points you raised: Taylor goes into Aquinas, Suarez, Cajetan, etc on political issues and the foundation of secularism. He also examines the contributions of Grotius, Pufendorf and Locke etc and their impact. I am sure you will find everything you nedd there.

Good luck!