Aquinas, Feminism, and the Common Good: A Feminist Theological Ethics Study by Susanne M. Decrane

Introduction

In the landscape of contemporary feminist theology, few works dare to bridge the gap between medieval scholasticism and modern gender critique as boldly as Susanne M. Decrane's Aquinas, Feminism, and the Common Good. This hardcover volume, published by Georgetown University Press, offers a rigorous yet accessible re-examination of Thomas Aquinas's concept of the common good through a feminist lens. Decrane does not simply dismiss Aquinas for his misogynistic views; instead, she retrieves the transformative potential of his thought to address pressing social issues. For Indian readers, students, and scholars engaged in ethics, theology, and women's studies, this book presents a unique opportunity to explore how ancient wisdom can be reimagined to serve modern struggles for justice and equality.

Book Overview

Aquinas, Feminism, and the Common Good is a scholarly work that challenges the assumption that Thomas Aquinas has nothing to offer feminist ethics. Susanne M. Decrane argues that while Aquinas's views on women were limited by his historical context, his foundational idea of 'the common good'—the human orientation toward peace, justice, and shared flourishing—remains a powerful resource for feminist thought. The book applies this retrieved concept to a concrete contemporary issue: women's healthcare in the United States, with a specific focus on black women and breast cancer. By doing so, Decrane demonstrates how theological ethics can be both critical and constructive, offering a model for engaging tradition without being trapped by its patriarchal biases.

Key Highlights

• Innovative Feminist Retrieval: Decrane does not discard Aquinas but reinterprets his core ideas through feminist hermeneutics, showing how pre-modern thought can speak to modern gender injustices.
• Real-World Application: The book grounds abstract theological concepts in the lived reality of black women facing breast cancer, making the common good a tangible ethical demand.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Blends theology, ethics, feminist theory, and public health analysis to create a holistic argument that resonates across disciplines.
• Critical yet Constructive: Offers a balanced critique of Aquinas's limitations while extracting what is valuable for contemporary struggles for justice.
• Rigorous Scholarship: Published by Georgetown University Press, a respected academic publisher, ensuring high editorial and scholarly standards.

Inside the Book

The book is structured to guide readers from a critique of Aquinas's anthropology to a constructive retrieval of his ethics. Early chapters examine Aquinas's views on women, situating them within his broader metaphysical and theological framework. Decrane then introduces feminist hermeneutical tools to read Aquinas 'against the grain,' focusing on his concept of the common good as a dynamic, inclusive principle. The latter half of the book applies this reinterpreted common good to the crisis of breast cancer among black women in America, analyzing how systemic inequalities—in healthcare access, research funding, and social support—violate the common good. Decrane concludes with a call for a feminist ethic of solidarity that draws on Aquinas's vision while transforming it.

Key Topics

• Thomas Aquinas's theological anthropology and its gender biases
• Feminist hermeneutics and the retrieval of patriarchal texts
• The concept of the common good in medieval and modern ethics
• Women's healthcare as a matter of social and distributive justice
• Black women's health disparities and structural racism
• Intersectionality in theological ethics
• Solidarity, participation, and the flourishing of all persons
• The relationship between tradition, critique, and transformation in religious ethics

Reader Benefits

Readers will gain a nuanced understanding of how to engage critically with canonical thinkers without abandoning their insights. The book equips students and scholars with methodological tools for feminist retrieval—a skill applicable beyond Aquinas to other patriarchal traditions. For those interested in applied ethics, the case study on breast cancer and healthcare provides a concrete example of how theological concepts can inform public policy and advocacy. Additionally, the book fosters a deeper appreciation for the complexity of the common good as an ethical ideal that demands attention to the most marginalized. Indian readers, particularly those engaged in interfaith dialogue or social justice work, will find parallels with local struggles for gender equity and healthcare access.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the core tenets of Aquinas's ethical framework, especially the common good.
• Critically analyze the limitations and possibilities of pre-modern thought for feminist ethics.
• Apply feminist hermeneutical methods to reinterpret traditional religious texts and ideas.
• Evaluate contemporary social issues—such as healthcare disparities—through the lens of the common good.
• Develop skills in interdisciplinary analysis that bridges theology, ethics, and public health.
• Articulate a vision of justice that honours both tradition and the demands of gender equality.

Who Should Read

This book is ideal for postgraduate students and scholars in theology, religious studies, feminist ethics, and social philosophy. It is also valuable for seminarians, clergy, and lay leaders seeking to integrate feminist perspectives into their theological education. Healthcare professionals, public health researchers, and activists working on women's health issues will find the ethical framework illuminating. For Indian readers, especially those in academic institutions offering courses in Christian theology, gender studies, or applied ethics, this book serves as an excellent resource for seminar discussions and research projects. Anyone interested in how religious traditions can be resources for, rather than obstacles to, women's liberation will find this work compelling.

About the Author

Susanne M. Decrane is a theologian and ethicist whose work focuses on the intersection of feminist theory, Catholic social thought, and healthcare ethics. She holds a PhD in theological ethics and has taught at various universities in the United States. Her research is characterized by a commitment to retrieving the liberative potential of Christian tradition while acknowledging its historical complicity in oppression. Decrane's writing is both academically rigorous and pastorally sensitive, making her a respected voice in contemporary feminist theology.

About the Publisher

Georgetown University Press, based in Washington, D.C., is a leading academic publisher known for its contributions to theology, ethics, international affairs, and public policy. With a history spanning over five decades, the press is committed to publishing works that advance scholarly discourse and address pressing social issues. Their catalogue includes numerous titles in Catholic studies, feminist theology, and social ethics, making them a fitting home for Decrane's groundbreaking work.

Conclusion

Aquinas, Feminism, and the Common Good is a courageous and intellectually vibrant book that refuses to let the past be a prison. Susanne M. Decrane shows that even a thinker as problematic as Thomas Aquinas can offer resources for building a more just and compassionate world—provided we read with critical eyes and hopeful hearts. For Indian students and scholars navigating the tensions between tradition and modernity, this book offers both a method and a vision. It is a must-read for anyone committed to the common good of all women, everywhere.