Introduction

The present study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the significance of Aristotle and Aquinas in the work of James Joyce. It is concerned exclusively with philosophical themes that are of material significance for Joyce’s writings or that provide inspiration for their artistic construction; it is not concerned with the literary merit of their application by Joyce. Much of what has been written on Joyce’s relation to Aristotle and Aquinas is superficial and speculative, not looking beyond what is stated in his writings and lacking reference to the philosophers’ own texts. On the other hand, many studies in recent decades have progressed beyond the analysis of sources and influences to an interpretation of a “meta” character. The present investigation adheres to a more traditional style; convinced that a fundamental examination of Aristotle and Aquinas as sources of Joyce has been lacking, I have confined my study to explicit references and allusions and eschewed speculative exegesis. I aim to examine Joyce’s use of these two important sources and to assess its accuracy and importance. This study is also intended to provide the nonphilosophical reader with a background to, and explanation of, the philosophical topics that occur.