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Butler Interprets Aquinas
Author(s) -
Grimes Katie
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of religious ethics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.306
H-Index - 20
eISSN - 1467-9795
pISSN - 0384-9694
DOI - 10.1111/jore.12053
Subject(s) - magisterium , moral theology , philosophy , reading (process) , epistemology , lesbian , fidelity , theology , sociology , gender studies , computer science , telecommunications , linguistics
This essay examines whether the C atholic magisterium's use of A quinas to condemn homosexual acts is actually Thomistic. Rather than being aligned with the magisterium, A quinas advances a moral epistemology better illuminated by the work of philosopher J udith B utler. Deploying B utler as a means of immanent critique, I show how magisterial attempts to argue against lesbian and gay sex fail on their own terms. Reading A quinas alongside B utler shows us why we need not choose between fidelity to Thomistic natural law and affirmation of lesbians and gays.