Introduction to the Science of Mental Health (Ripperger)

Fr. Chad Ripperger's 660 page tome is the book every student of Thomistic psychology was looking for! 

This book follows a tradition of psychology that is both much older than and entirely independent of modern psychology. It is a tradition that goes back to St. Thomas, and even further back to Aristotle. St. Thomas' treatment of soul, the soul's powers, its healthy and unhealthy habits, and its passions and pathologies is noteworthy for its philosophical soundness, its completeness, and its profound insight. Fr. Chad Ripperger, in his turn, gives a treatment of the science of psychology that follows the thought of St. Thomas and gives a complete a up-to-date treatment of the nature of psychology as well as mental health and illness. 

This book is especially noteworthy since it does not neglect the spiritual and supernatural aspects of psychology, such as the effects of grace and the sacraments.

The soft back and hardback versions include all three of the following volumes in on book:

• Vol. I: Philosophical Psychology.
   This text, the first of three volumes in the "Introduction to the Science of Mental Health" series, treats the science of mental health and illness and is based on the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas.
  The text is divided into three parts:

1. 1. What constitutes a valid science of psychology;
   2. The principles one must know in order to discuss mental health and illness;
   3. What is mental health and illness according to St. Thomas and what are the causes of mental health and illness from a Thomistic perspective. 

The Forward and imprimatur for the text are by His Excellency, Fabian Bruskewitz, bishop of the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska. 

• Vol. II: Sacred and Other Spiritual Causes
  This second of the three volumes addresses the various aspects of Catholic Theology as they affect mental health.
  Some of the areas covered are:
  • Relationship of psychology to theology;
  • Sin as it affects mental health;
  • Infused Virtues, Sacraments, Gifts of the Holy Ghost and Prayer;
  • Demonic Influences.
• Vol. III: Quodlibetal Issues and Practica
  The third text in the series, this volume addresses the various aspects of psychology which are not covered in the prior two volumes as well as the practical application of Thomistic psychology.
  Some topics included are:
  • Music;
  • The Subconscious Dreams;
  • Hypnotism;
  • Self Knowledge;
  • Personality and Temperaments;
  • Addictions;
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology;
  • Diagnosis and Counseling;
  • The Role of the Empirical in Psychology.