The next 2 parts of this book review will carry quotes that contained adult content and a warning in the title. This review has nothing I would consider objectionable to someone of any age to read and indeed it is merely the table of contents, the summary from the dust jacket on the book, and amazon review and some notes on the author. The book is very detailed oriented to the point that some might label it pedantic, but in my opinion is only very through and written by a professor that wants to ensure his arguments are logically “tight.” If you want strong well thought out logical arguments, of the ilk of Thomas Aquinas’, with regard to contraception, this is your book. The dust jacket reads as follows:
“ One of the most explosive, crucially important issues of our day is that of contraception. And this is the issue forthrightly examined in this challenging and deeply probing work. The author, a Catholic layman and a father of four, is associate professor of philosophy at Gerorgetown University. His purpose is to open to critical examination both the traditional teaching of theologians on this question and the views recently expressed by those who argue that this teaching is inadequate for contemporary man. The author probes in detail the arguments customarily advanced to support the authoritative teaching of recent pontiffs, concluding that these arguments are unconvincing and based on an inadequate theory of natural law. He likewise takes issue with arguments of the revisionists, and his brilliant and enlightening critique of the philosophical presuppositions underlying their suggestions does much to rid the air of specious rhetoric and errant nonsense. He then proceeds to set forth a challenging, dynamic theory of natural law and, in the light of this soundly based foundation, faces the central question: is contraception intrinsically immoral? In addition, the author offers illuminating comments on the morality of the “Pill” and on the subjective factors that must be considered in any adequate moral theory.
Although Dr. Grisez position will be unpopular in many quarters, his courageous, rigorously reasoned arguments will be of tremendous help to many faced with the present dilemma. No one concerned over this burning issue can afford to miss this important new Impact book.”
On the author:
“Germain Grisez, Ph.D . . . an associate professor of philosophy at Georgetown University, received his doctorate in philosophy from Chicago University after completing undergraduate studies at John Carroll University. A guest lecturer at the University of Virginia in 1961 and 1962, Dr. Grisez has contributed articles in The Thomist, the Journal of Religion, and the New Catholic Encyclopedia. Dr. Grisez is married and the father of four.”
The contents page of this book reads as follows:
FORWARD BY BISHOP JOHN WRIGHT vii
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS xi
I INTRODUCTION 1
II INADEQUATE ARGUMENTS 19
III THREE THEORIES OF MORAL LAW 46
IV WHY CONTRACEPTION IS IMMORAL 76
V THEORETICAL OBJECTIONS 107
VI “DIRECTLY WILLED, POSITIVE ACT” 129
VII PROBLEMS IN THE USE OF DRUGS 171
VIII THE SUBJECTIVE MORALITY OF CONTRACEPTION 179
Epilogue: REFLECTIONS OF A BELIEVER 209
APPENDIX: CONCEPTION PREVENTING DRUGS 215
INDEX 233
This book is available on Amazon in either hardback or paperback. A review by Michael Pakaluk on Amazon reads as follows:
Whatever one’s opinion of the so-called “New Natural Law,” one must be deeply impressed by this treatise, which is its origin and source. Grisez shows himself to have a masterful dialectical mind. He immediately sees the crucial importance of contraception as an ethical issue. He sets about founding an ethical theory which gives a plausible (if not ultimately satisfying) account of the wrongness of contraception, while also vindicating the reality of moral absolutes. His treatment is thorough, fairly exhaustive in its treatment of objections and alternatives, and fair. Every thoughtful Catholic should read this book, and form an opinion about it — indeed, every thoughtful and open-minded person disturbed by the consequences of the sexual revolution should read it. The book identification on amazon is:
ASIN : B000EIKBFM
Publisher : The Bruce Publishing Company (January 1, 1964)
The approbations are as follows:
Nihil Obstat: John T. Twomey, S.T.L., Ph.D
Censor Librorum
Imprimatur: + Roman B. Atkielski
Vicar General of Milwaukee
November 9, 1964
The final 2 parts of this review will give quotes from the book to show examples of the authors writing style and will show how he thoroughly structures his answers to questions. To get more in-depth answers with clarifying arguments, you of course will have to read the book!
Traditional Thomistic Catholic 