Medieval Western philosophy Books

Book SynopsisVolume 1 includes the whole of the First Part of the Summa Theologica. Pegis's revision and correction of the English Dominican Translation renders Aquinas' technical terminology consistently as it conveys the directness and simplicity of Aquinas' writing; the Introduction, notes, and index aim at giving the text its proper historical setting, and the reader the means of studying St. Thomas within that setting. Volume 2 includes substantial selections from the Second Part of the Summa Theologica and the Summa Contra Gentiles. Pegis's revision and correction of the English Dominican Translation renders Aquinas' technical terminology consistently as it conveys the directness and simplicity of Aquinas' writing; the Introduction, notes, and index aim at giving the text its proper historical setting, and the reader the means of studying St. Thomas within that setting.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review[A] fine book . . . rich, literate, beautifully written. . . . Meagher puts it well in his final chapter: the great teacher is one who excites power. Plotinus is one; Augustine another. . . . and the unquestionable merit of Meagher's book is that it too excites power. --Robert J. O'Connell, Fordham UniversityMeagher's work is extremely insightful and original. . . . The Augustine he describes is the one who stands at the origin of autobiography in Western culture and at the roots of contemporary existentialism where man has became once again 'a question to himself.' --John Dunne, The University of Notre DameThat Meagher helps us to come closer to Augustine is one of the many virtues of his book. . . . Meagher's book, in a thoroughly Augustinian spirit, is a work of love, and thus kindles love in return. . . . Will be of interest to all readers who are concerned with the possibilities of spirit in our time. --William Barrett

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Book SynopsisThis volume begins with excerpts from Aquinas'' commentary on De Anima, excerpts that proceed from a general consideration of soul as common to all living things to a consideration of the animal soul and, finally, to what is peculiar to the human soul. These are followed by the Treatise on Man, Aquinas'' most famous discussion of human nature, but one whose organization is dictated by theological concerns and whose philosophical importance is thus best appreciated when seen as presented here: within the historical philosophical framework of which it constitutes a development. Aquinas'' discussions of the will and the passions follow, providing fruitful points of comparison with other philosophers.Trade ReviewThe substantial Introduction and the selection have been done . . . extremely well. The Introduction makes illuminating connections between the thought of Aquinas and Descartes. . . . The book’s usefulness is enhanced by the bibliography.--Ian Markham, Theological Book Review

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThe substantial Introduction and the selection have been done . . . extremely well. The Introduction makes illuminating connections between the thought of Aquinas and Descartes. . . . The book’s usefulness is enhanced by the bibliography.--Ian Markham, Theological Book Review

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewStephen Brown of Boston College has done an extremely useful service in providing this anthology of appropriate readings on Aquinas and his views on 'faith and reason.' The selections are intelligently chosen; the introduction to the book is excellent, especially the section locating Aquinas over against Augustine.--Ian Markham, Theological Book Review

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Book Synopsis A reprint of the Routledge edition of Medieval Political Theory, a Reader: The Quest for the Body Politic, 1100-1400. This anthology includes writings of both well-known theorists such as Thomas Aquinas and John of Salisbury as well as those lesser known, including Christine de Pisan and Marie de France, and will be of value to students of the history of political theory as well as those of medieval intellectual history.

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Book SynopsisThis new translation of the Treatise on Law offers fidelity to the Latin in a readable new version that will prove useful to students of the natural law tradition in ethics, political theory, and jurisprudence, as well as to students of Western intellectual history.Trade ReviewA convenient one-volume translation of the essential texts from the Summa Theologiae on law. Regan's translation is careful, idiomatic, and reliable. With its good Introduction and explanatory notes, this volume should prove to be a popular one among teachers and students of politics and ethics, not to mention those working in medieval philosophy. --Brian Davies, author of The Thought of Thomas Aquinas, Oxford, 1992The best and most convenient English edition of this classic work. --James B. Murphy, Dartmouth College

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Book SynopsisSince its publication in French in 1949 by the Presses Universitaires de France, Basil Tatakis'' Byzantine Philosophy remains the sole work of its kind, an analysis of the rise of Christianity in the East and the civilization that grew out of it at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa.Trade ReviewThe translation of Tatakis' 1949 book is a welcome contribution to the field as it offers a remarkable overview of Byzantine philosophy for specialists and students alike. . . . Moutafakis has performed a great service to the English-speaking academic world not only with his very readable translation of what is standard reading material in many universities in Europe but also with the useful list (at the end of the book) of contributions to the field made after the original French edition. --Yannis Papadoyannakis, Religious Studies ReviewB.N. Tatakis' La Philosophie Byzantine first appeared in 1949 and remains the standard book on the subject. It provides an illuminating introduction for the general reader, and is also consulted by specialists. The result of a close study of a vast amount of mostly unknown and often unedited texts, it covers the period from the sixth to the fifteenth century with great erudition. But its main achievement is that it presents Byzantine philosophy as an autonomous discipline—distinct from Christian theology—that deals with genuinely philosophical questions. This is the book which rightly claimed for Byzantine thought a place in the history of philosophy. --Katerina Ierodiakonou, St. Hugh’s College, Oxford; National Technical University of AthensThis book is one of a kind. Tatakis published it in French in 1949 and it had to wait until 2003 before an English edition appeared. The wait was worth it. This is the only book in English that covers the development of the history of philosophy and its intersection with Christianity during the entire course of the history of the Eastern Roman Empire from the fall of Rome and the Western Empire to its own fall in 1453 A.D. --Thomas Riggins, Political Affairs

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Book Synopsis In these three dialogues, renowned for their dialectical structure and linguistic precision, Anselm sets out his classic account of the relationship between freedom and sin--its linchpin his definition of freedom of choice as the power to preserve rectitude of will for its own sake. In doing so, Anselm explores the fascinating implications for God, human beings, and angels (good and bad) of his conclusion that freedom of choice neither is nor entails the power to sin. In addition to an Introduction, notes, and a glossary, Thomas Williams brings to the translation of these important dialogues the same precision and clarity that distinguish his previous translation of Anselm''s Proslogion and Monologion, which Professor Paul Spade of Indiana University called scrupulously faithful and accurate without being slavishly literal, yet lively and graceful to both the eye and ear. Trade ReviewAn excellent job. Williams's translation remains faithful to the Latin text while simultaneously proving clear and readable. I'm confident that both the introduction and the translation itself will motivate further study. --Christina Van Dyke, Calvin College

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewAn excellent job. Williams's translation remains faithful to the Latin text while simultaneously proving clear and readable. I'm confident that both the introduction and the translation itself will motivate further study. --Christina Van Dyke, Calvin College

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewPasnau's fine translation renders Aquinas' Latin into contemporary English prose that avoids, as much as possible, scholastic as well as contemporary jargon. The translation is precise, but technical only when it has to be, and should give readers a very good sense for what Aquinas was trying to accomplish. The commentary will be exceptionally useful to readers at all levels. Those unfamiliar with Aquinas will find helpful introductions and guides, while even scholars will find useful hints and convincing corrections of time-honored mistakes. --Jeffrey Hause, Creighton UniversityThis very readable and accurate translation of the so-called Treatise on Human Nature strikes the right balance between literal rendition of Aquinas' Latin and naturalness of English expression, and thus will be of use both to new students of Aquinas and to those familiar with the original Latin. The commentary on the text should make the translation especially suitable for use in courses on Aquinas’ philosophy of human nature and theory of knowledge. --Deborah Black, University of Toronto

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThose who want to approach [the Summa Theologiae] in English cannot do better than study Regan's volume. It will provide them with a solid and reliable basis from which to take their studies of Aquinas further. . . . Regan's translations are always accurate. . . . And, in producing them, he has managed to deliver texts written in elegant, intelligible, and idiomatic English. --Brian Davies, International Philosophical QuarterlyThose approaching Aquinas from the side of philosophy, and for the first time, have been done a great service by Richard Regan's selective translation of the first part (prima pars) and the first part of the second part (prima secundae) of the Summa Theologiae. By focusing on the questions raised and answers given by Aquinas (and including only the most salient objections and replies), Regan reveals Thomas as a great dialectician, grappling with issues of perennial philosophical interest. Regan's general introduction and chapter introductions together enable the reader to see the point and power of Aquinas’ discussions. --John Haldane, University of St. AndrewsFor . . . introducing undergraduates to Aquinas' philosophy, this is a good text and should prove a useful addition to an undergraduate library. --Vivian Boland, Theological Book Review

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Book SynopsisThis compact collection of philosophical texts from the Summa Theologica--on God, creation, the soul, human acts, moral good and evil, love, habits, virtue, and law--is presented newly translated in abridged form and cast in a modified version of the medieval quaestio. Included are only the most important objections and Aquinas' replies; appeals to scriptural, theological, and philosophical authorities have been omitted. Unlike the ordering of the originals, questions and answers are here presented prior to objections and replies; the result is a sharp, rich, topically organized question-answer presentation of Aquinas'' major philosophical arguments within a brief compass. A general Introduction, headnotes, a glossary, an index, and a select bibliography offer expert guidance to the work of this major philosopher.Trade ReviewThose who want to approach [the Summa Theologiae] in English cannot do better than study Regan's volume. It will provide them with a solid and reliable basis from which to take their studies of Aquinas further. . . . Regan's translations are always accurate. . . . And, in producing them, he has managed to deliver texts written in elegant, intelligible, and idiomatic English. --Brian Davies, International Philosophical QuarterlyThose approaching Aquinas from the side of philosophy, and for the first time, have been done a great service by Richard Regan's selective translation of the first part (prima pars) and the first part of the second part (prima secundae) of the Summa Theologiae. By focusing on the questions raised and answers given by Aquinas (and including only the most salient objections and replies), Regan reveals Thomas as a great dialectician, grappling with issues of perennial philosophical interest. Regan's general introduction and chapter introductions together enable the reader to see the point and power of Aquinas’ discussions. --John Haldane, University of St. AndrewsFor . . . introducing undergraduates to Aquinas' philosophy, this is a good text and should prove a useful addition to an undergraduate library. --Vivian Boland, Theological Book Review

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Book SynopsisFollowing a question-and-answer format, this is a translated and streamlined compilation of the texts on prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance from the "Summa Theologica II-II". It also includes a general introduction to the moral thought of Thomas Aquinas, notes on the texts, a glossary of key terms, and a selective bibliography.Trade ReviewThomas Aquinas is still known in ethics primarily as the quintessential theorist of natural law—this despite the fact that his writings on that subject are quite meager in comparison to his exhaustive and masterly treatments of the virtues. The result of Richard Regan's labors is an introduction to Thomas' moral philosophy that is much more indicative of Thomas' rich reflections on the moral life than is available from the study of his natural law writings alone, making accessible Thomas' insights into the cardinal virtues of justice, prudence, courage, and temperance. --Douglas Kries, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Gonzaga UniversityThere are perils here for a clumsy editor. Some of the material inviting excision is comparatively ephemeral but some is so integral to the work that its exclusion would leave us with a seriously distorted patchwork with few clues as to the overall world-view of the author. There is also a good deal of material that is contrary to contemporary culture and which timidity would suggest be excised. But Regan's editorial hand is deft. If mortal and venial sin, salvation, the value of consecrated virginity, the immorality of taking interest on a loan are unpalatable to the modern reader, he does not see that as any reason for excluding them. We find startling the prohibition of lying to the enemy in time of war, and the observation that it is permissible to resist an unjust death sentence 'except perhaps, in order to avoid scandal, when resistance might risk a serious public disturbance' (86). This is just one example of the profoundly counter-cultural weighting of the community over the individual in the Natural Law tradition (This is very briefly but effectively flagged by Regan in his Introduction). The extent of the condensation [in Regan's edition] is considerable. . . . Surely he must have left out something of value? I searched for unfortunate omissions. Did he include the distinction between virtue and skill (in terms of intentional failure)? Yes. Does the thesis of the unity of the virtues survive? Yes again. Is the possibility of prudence in sinners included? Yes it is, and the search for omissions begins to seem a waste of time. . . . I would judge the translation to be a fine effort. --Brian Scarlett, The Medieval ReviewRichard J. Regan's translation and introductory explanations are highly readable and very accessible to the average student. There is a wealth of material contained in this small volume. It could serve not only as a useful text in an ethics course, but also as a convenient initiation to Aquinas' thought and method. --Rev. Gerald E. Twaddell, Department of Philosophy, Thomas More College

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Book SynopsisRichard J. Regan''s new translation of texts from Thomas Aquinas'' Summa Theologica IIII--on the virtues prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance--combines accuracy with an accessibility unmatched by previous presentations of these texts. While remaining true to Aquinas'' Latin and preserving a question-and-answer format, the translation judiciously omits references and citations unessential to the primary argument. It thereby clears a path through the original especially suitable for beginning students of Aquinas. Regan''s Introduction carefully situates Aquinas'' analysis of these virtues within the greater ethical system of the Summa Theologica, and each selection is introduced by a thoughtful headnote. A glossary of key terms and a select bibliography are also included.Trade ReviewThomas Aquinas is still known in ethics primarily as the quintessential theorist of natural law—this despite the fact that his writings on that subject are quite meager in comparison to his exhaustive and masterly treatments of the virtues. The result of Richard Regan's labors is an introduction to Thomas' moral philosophy that is much more indicative of Thomas' rich reflections on the moral life than is available from the study of his natural law writings alone, making accessible Thomas' insights into the cardinal virtues of justice, prudence, courage, and temperance. --Douglas Kries, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Gonzaga UniversityThere are perils here for a clumsy editor. Some of the material inviting excision is comparatively ephemeral but some is so integral to the work that its exclusion would leave us with a seriously distorted patchwork with few clues as to the overall world-view of the author. There is also a good deal of material that is contrary to contemporary culture and which timidity would suggest be excised. But Regan's editorial hand is deft. If mortal and venial sin, salvation, the value of consecrated virginity, the immorality of taking interest on a loan are unpalatable to the modern reader, he does not see that as any reason for excluding them. We find startling the prohibition of lying to the enemy in time of war, and the observation that it is permissible to resist an unjust death sentence 'except perhaps, in order to avoid scandal, when resistance might risk a serious public disturbance' (86). This is just one example of the profoundly counter-cultural weighting of the community over the individual in the Natural Law tradition (This is very briefly but effectively flagged by Regan in his Introduction). The extent of the condensation [in Regan's edition] is considerable. . . . Surely he must have left out something of value? I searched for unfortunate omissions. Did he include the distinction between virtue and skill (in terms of intentional failure)? Yes. Does the thesis of the unity of the virtues survive? Yes again. Is the possibility of prudence in sinners included? Yes it is, and the search for omissions begins to seem a waste of time. . . . I would judge the translation to be a fine effort. --Brian Scarlett, The Medieval ReviewRichard J. Regan's translation and introductory explanations are highly readable and very accessible to the average student. There is a wealth of material contained in this small volume. It could serve not only as a useful text in an ethics course, but also as a convenient initiation to Aquinas' thought and method. --Rev. Gerald E. Twaddell, Department of Philosophy, Thomas More College

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Book SynopsisFeaturing the treatise that consists of the first thirteen questions of Aquinas' massive "Summa Theologiae", this volume provides an introduction to Aquinas' views on two central questions of philosophical theology: does God exist? and what is God like? It is the second in "The Hackett Aquinas", a series of philosophical treatises of Aquinas.Trade ReviewThere are some notable introductions to Aquinas currently available, but these inevitably have to pass over Summa Theologiae I, 1-13 fairly quickly. There is a mountain of scholarly literature on I, 1-13, but most of this presupposes a lot of knowledge of Aquinas in its readers, or is too dense and technical for beginners. The present volume is, therefore, most welcome. For, as well as providing a new translation of all of Summa Theologiae I, 1-13, it offers a substantial commentary on this text, one which presupposes no previous familiarity with Aquinas as a thinker. It should prove very helpful to anyone teaching Summa Theologiae I, 1-13 at both the undergraduate and graduate level. I would also expect it to be especially useful to people studying Summa Theologiae I, 1-13 entirely on their own. Fr Shanley's translation is clear, idiomatic, and accurate. A particular virtue of the translation is that it frequently indicates along the way which Latin terms are being rendered into English as Fr Shanley renders them. This kind of flagging will help readers to get a better sense of what Aquinas is saying than they might otherwise do. . . . [The] commentary is lucid, well informed, clearly written, and, given its word count, very comprehensive. Fr Shanley homes in on just what one would look for in a volume like the present. Hence we find him explaining Aquinas's technical terms and showing how bits of Summa Theologiae I, 1-13 connect with each other. He also relates Aquinas to previous and contemporary thinkers with whom Aquinas is engaging. The end product is something that can be warmly recommended to anyone looking for what Fr Shanley has tried to provide. --Brian Davies, Notre Dame Philosophical ReviewsThat Shanley's translation-cum-commentary can open students to such a rich appropriation of Aquinas explains why I call it 'superb.' --David Burrell, The Thomist

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Book SynopsisFeaturing the treatise that consists of the first thirteen questions of Aquinas' massive "Summa Theologiae", this volume provides an introduction to Aquinas' views on two central questions of philosophical theology: does God exist? and what is God like? It is the second in "The Hackett Aquinas", a series of philosophical treatises of Aquinas.Trade ReviewThere are some notable introductions to Aquinas currently available, but these inevitably have to pass over Summa Theologiae I, 1-13 fairly quickly. There is a mountain of scholarly literature on I, 1-13, but most of this presupposes a lot of knowledge of Aquinas in its readers, or is too dense and technical for beginners. The present volume is, therefore, most welcome. For, as well as providing a new translation of all of Summa Theologiae I, 1-13, it offers a substantial commentary on this text, one which presupposes no previous familiarity with Aquinas as a thinker. It should prove very helpful to anyone teaching Summa Theologiae I, 1-13 at both the undergraduate and graduate level. I would also expect it to be especially useful to people studying Summa Theologiae I, 1-13 entirely on their own. Fr Shanley's translation is clear, idiomatic, and accurate. A particular virtue of the translation is that it frequently indicates along the way which Latin terms are being rendered into English as Fr Shanley renders them. This kind of flagging will help readers to get a better sense of what Aquinas is saying than they might otherwise do. . . . [The] commentary is lucid, well informed, clearly written, and, given its word count, very comprehensive. Fr Shanley homes in on just what one would look for in a volume like the present. Hence we find him explaining Aquinas's technical terms and showing how bits of Summa Theologiae I, 1-13 connect with each other. He also relates Aquinas to previous and contemporary thinkers with whom Aquinas is engaging. The end product is something that can be warmly recommended to anyone looking for what Fr Shanley has tried to provide. --Brian Davies, Notre Dame Philosophical ReviewsThat Shanley's translation-cum-commentary can open students to such a rich appropriation of Aquinas explains why I call it 'superb.' --David Burrell, The Thomist

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Book Synopsis Offering the first complete translation into modern English of Aquinas'' unfinished commentary on Aristotle''s Politics, this translation follows the definitive Leonine text of Aquinas and reproduces in English those passages of William of Moerbeke''s exacting yet elliptical translation of the Politics from which Aquinas worked. Bekker numbers have been added to passages from the Politics for easy reference. Students of the history of political thought will welcome this study of a great classic, a commentary by a student of Aristotle who is also a great political theorist in his own right.

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Book SynopsisPresents the philosophical treatises of Hackett Aquinas.Trade ReviewHause and Murphy are to be congratulated. [Their volume's] strong points are numerous and important. The translation is clear and faithful. A real advantage is using the as yet unpublished Leonine text, which is significantly superior to the Marietti edition. The translators retain the disputed question format. And the whole series is translated. Hause offers an extend commentary which is solid and helpful for beginning readers. . . . Even for Aquinas, who simper loquitur formalissime, first rate translations are hard to come by; and we have one here. . . . A gem. --R. E. Houser, University of St. Thomas (Houston, TX), in Notre Dame Philosophical ReviewsHause and Murphy's translation rests on the provisional Latin text established by the Leonine commission, the best version currently available. . . . [The translators] take a conservative approach, keeping quite close to the Latin and adopting conventional translations of scholastic terms, such as passion for 'passio' and prudence for 'prudentia.' . . . Hause's commentary does much to clarify what Aquinas does and does not mean by a 'habitus.' On this and countless other topics, it explains Aquinas' thinking in terms comprehensible to beginners but without being boring to specialists. . . . A significant contribution to the study of Aqunias. --Bonnie Kent, University of California, Irvine, in Journal of the History of Philosophy

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsMAIN HEADINGS: Foreword to the Second Edition; The man and his writings; Faith and reason; Three levels of reality; Man's soul; The world of bodies; Approaching God through understanding; Moral and religious life; Dimensions of grace; The two cities; Philosophy of history; Apendixes; Index.

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Book SynopsisMoses Maimonides (11381204) was arguably the single most important Jewish thinker of the Middle Ages, with an impact on the later Jewish tradition that was unparalleled by any of his contemporaries. In this volume of new essays, world-leading scholars address themes relevant to his philosophical outlook, including his relationship with his Islamicate surroundings and the impact of his work on subsequent Jewish and Christian writings, as well as his reception in twentieth-century scholarship. The essays also address the nature and aim of Maimonides'' philosophical writing, including its connection with biblical exegesis, and the philosophical and theological arguments that are central to his work, such as revelation, ritual, divine providence, and teleology. Wide-ranging and fully up-to-date, the volume will be highly valuable for those interested in Jewish history and thought, medieval philosophy, and religious studies.Table of ContentsIntroduction; 1. Maimonides and the Almohads Herbert A. Davidson; 2. Al-Ghazālī's purported 'Influence' on Maimonides: a dissenting voice in trending scholarship Y. Tzvi Langermann; 3. Maimonides on the intellects of women and gentiles Hannah Kasher; 4. What the Guide of the Perplexed is really about Kenneth R. Seeskin; 5. On or above the Ladder? Maimonidean and anti-Maimonidean readings of Jacob's Ladder James T. Robinson; 6. Reading the Guide of the Perplexed as an intellectual challenge Sarah Klein Braslavy; 7. Jewish ritual as trial in the Guide of the Perplexed Yehuda Halper; 8. Maimonides on the divine authorship of the law Charles H. Manekin; 9. Divine knowledge and providence in the Guide of the Perplexed Daniel Davies; 10. The world and the rye: perplexity about ends in Guide of the Perplexed iii.13 and iii.25 David Wirmer; 11. Early quotations from Maimonides' Guide of the Perplexed in the Latin Middle Ages Diana Di Segni; 12. Pines' agendas for reading the Guide of the Perplexed from 1963 to 1979 Josef Stern; 13. How to begin to study Strauss' 'How to Begin to Study the Guide of the Perplexed' Warren Zev Harvey.

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Book SynopsisWhich language should philosophers use: technical or common language? In a book as important for intellectual historians as it is for philosophers, Lodi Nauta addresses a vital question which still has resonance today: is the discipline of philosophy assisted or disadvantaged by employing a special vocabulary? By the Middle Ages philosophy had become a highly technical discipline, with its own lexicon and methods. The Renaissance humanist critique of this specialised language has been dismissed as philosophically superficial, but the author demonstrates that it makes a crucial point: it is through the misuse of language that philosophical problems arise. He charts the influence of this critique on early modern philosophers, including Hobbes and Locke, and shows how it led to the downfall of medieval Aristotelianism and the gradual democratization of language and knowledge. His book will be essential reading for anyone interested in the transition from medieval to modern philosophy.Trade Review'Nauta is among the most distinguished historians of philosophy today. His study breaks new ground by concentrating on a vital issue in the early modern rivalry between humanism and scholasticism which still has great resonance in modern academe: the advantages and disadvantages that accrue to philosophy, or any professionalized study, from employing a special technical vocabulary to discuss philosophical problems.' James Hankins, Harvard University'This book is a great and inspiring tour d'horizon into philosophical reflection on the use of language – and, consequently, on linguistic practice – from the emergence of Renaissance humanism to major thinkers such as Hobbes and Locke​. The author invites us into his novel and fascinating story of the genesis of Renaissance and Early Modern (and even contemporary) philosophy.' Jan Papy, Catholic University of LeuvenTable of ContentsIntroduction; 1. Early Humanist Critics of Scholastic Language: Francesco Petrarca and Leonardo Bruni; 2. From a Linguistic Point of View: Lorenzo Valla's Critique of Aristotelian-Scholastic Philosophy; 3. Giovanni Pontano on Language, Meaning, and Grammar; 4. Juan Luis Vives on Language, Knowledge, and the Topics; 5. Anti-Essentialism and the Rhetoricization of Knowledge: Mario Nizolio's Humanist Attack on Universals; 6. Skepticism and the Critique of Language in Francisco Sanches; 7. Thomas Hobbes and the Rhetoric of Common Language; 8. Between Private Signification and Common Use: Locke on Ideas, Words, and the Social Dimension of Language; Conclusion.

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Book SynopsisThe book called The Consolation of Philosophy was throughout the Middle Ages, and down to the beginnings of the modern epoch in the sixteenth century, the scholars familiar companion. Few books have exercised a wider influence in their time. It has been translated into every European tongue, and into English nearly a dozen times, from King Alfreds paraphrase to the translations of Lord Preston, Causton, Ridpath, and Duncan, in the eighteenth century.

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Book SynopsisIn his autobiography, David Hume famously noted that A Treatise of Human Nature “fell dead-born from the press.” Yet it is now widely regarded as one of the greatest philosophical works written in the English language. Within, Hume offers an empirically informed account of human nature, addressing a range of topics such as space, time, causality, the external world, personal identity, passions, freedom, necessity, virtue, and vice. This edition includes not only the full text of the Treatise but also Hume’s summarizing Abstract, as well as selections drawn from critical book reviews which showcase the work’s reception in Hume’s own time. Angela Coventry’s expert introduction and annotations serve to contextualize the book’s themes and arguments for modern readers.Trade Review“This is a splendid edition of A Treatise of Human Nature, perfect for both the scholar and the student. Most impressive is editor Angela Coventry’s introduction, which includes information about David Hume’s life and works and provides the most thorough short summary of the Treatise with which I am familiar. In many Treatise editions the text feels crowded, but this one makes for a comfortable read, with standard numbers indicating book, part, section, and paragraph included on each page for ease of reference.” — Joe Campbell, Washington State University“This edition of the Treatise does two things particularly well. First, it gives an accessible and helpful overview of the work that does a great job of outlining for the new reader how the varied topics of the Treatise hang together as a whole. Second, it gives the reader a sense of the reception of these ideas, both in Hume’s time and in contemporary discourse. These successes make this edition very attractive as a text for the classroom, and the additional inclusion of historical reviews should make it appealing to Hume scholars as well.” — Katharina Paxman, Brigham Young University“Angela Coventry has in many ways produced the definitive edition of Hume’s classic text. While previous editions have overwhelmed the reader with editorial annotations, Coventry presents the Treatise as it was meant to be read. The inclusion of contemporaneous reviews of Hume’s work only enhances the reader’s experience of stepping into the world in which it was published.” — Getty Lustila, Northeastern UniversityTable of ContentsIntroductionDavid Hume: A Brief ChronologyA Note on the TextsA Treatise of Human Nature Book 1: Of the Understanding Book 2: Of the Passions Book 3: Of Morals Appendix to the Treatise Appendix A: The Abstract of the Treatise (1740) Appendix B: From Review of Hume’s Treatise, History of the Works of the Learned (1739) Appendix C: French Book Reviews of Hume’s Treatise of Human Nature (1740-41) Works Cited and Select Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisSince ancient times, philosophers have written about "the will". But the will is more than a philosophic and scholarly topic. In our everyday speech, what do we mean when we speak of the "will"? Will-words turn up everywhere in the English language. We make wills. We exert our willpower. We are wilful at times but merely willing at others. Above all, will is there a hundred times a day, when we use the auxiliary verb "will" to express our intentions or expectations for the future, or simply to indicate the future tense. Yet it takes only a moment''s reflection to see that there''s a tremendous range of meaning here, and so something to think about. Moreover, all of us have wondered now and then, probably both as children and as adults, whether we are really free, and whether being free means being able to do what we want or being free of wants and desires or something else entirely. That is, we have all wrestled with the issue of free will in our informal, non-scholarly ways. Finally, we have probably all asked ourselves whether people who talk about will and willpower are all talking about the same thing or even talking sense. These are among the issues that Eva Brann puts at the centre of Un-Willing. She takes the whole range of questions about the will that are implicit in our everyday lives and everyday thinking, articulates them, shows us how they have been dealt with within the philosophic tradition and contemporary scientific thought -- and then wrestles with them herself.

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Book SynopsisA classic work of the European Enlightenment--and one of the most popular, if scandalous, in its day--the Persian Letters captures, in an engaging epistolary format, the transformational spirit of the era. Amid an ongoing tale rife with sex, violence, and wit, the work addresses a diverse range of topics from human nature and the origins of society, to the nature and role of religious belief, the role of women, statecraft, justice, morality, and human identity. With skill and artistry, Raymond MacKenzie's stunning new translation accurately reflects the mood and character of the work. In his richly conceived Introduction, MacKenzie seamlessly weaves together an overview of the period with details of Montesquieu's life, including the influences that inspired the Persian Letters , the character and power of the book, and its reception. This edition also includes a Calendar of the Persian Letters , a Bibliography of Works in English, and a Bibliography of Works in French. Related texts provide insight into the legacy of the Persian Letters . They include selections from works by George Lyttelton, Voltaire, Oliver Goldsmith, and Maria Edgeworth.

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Book SynopsisThe fifth volume of The Hackett Aquinas, a series of central philosophical treatises of Aquinas in new, state-of-the-art translations accompanied by a thorough commentary on the text.Acclaim for previous volumes in the series:The Treatise on Human Nature Translated, with Commentary, by Robert Pasnau "This very readable and accurate translation of the so-called Treatise on Human Nature strikes the right balance between literal rendition of Aquinas' Latin and naturalness of English expression, and thus will be of use both to new students of Aquinas and to those familiar with the original Latin. The commentary on the text should make the translation especially suitable for use in courses on Aquinas' philosophy of human nature and theory of knowledge." —Deborah Black, University of TorontoThe Treatise on the Divine Nature Translated, with Commentary, by Brian J. Shanley, O.P. "That Shanley's translation-cum-commentary can open students to such a rich appropriation of Aquinas explains why I call it 'superb.'" —David Burrell, The ThomistDisputed Questions on Virtue Translated by Jeffrey Hause and Claudia Eisen Murphy; Commentary by Jeffrey Hause "Hause and Murphy are to be congratulated. [Their volume's] strong points are numerous and important. The translation is clear and faithful. . . . Hause offers an extended commentary which is solid and helpful for beginning readers. . . . A gem." —R. E. Houser, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews

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Book SynopsisAn expanded version of the translator’s Anselm: The Basic Writings, The Complete Treatises incorporates new translations of works omitted from that volume (most notably, De grammatico) in addition to selected letters and prayers of philosophical interest. The only such collection translated by a single hand and rendered with attention to terminological consistency across the treatises, it’s the ideal choice for use by students of philosophy and theology.

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Book SynopsisReclaiming humanism in the wake of postmodern critque and in response to the inhumanity we face in our world.

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Book SynopsisCahiers de l''Institut du Moyen- ge Grec et Latin publishes work done in the Department of Greek and Latin at the University of Copenhagen, or in collaboration with the Department. The research presented mainly has to do with the Latin trivium and quadrivium, and with Byzantine music. CIMAGL publishes no book reviews.

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Book SynopsisCahiers de l''Institut du Moyen- ge Grec et Latin - Volume 76

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Book SynopsisCIMAGL publishes work done in the Department of Greek and Latin at the University of Copenhagen, or in collaboration with the Department. The research presented mainly has to do with the Latin trivium and quadrivium, and with Byzantine music.

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Book SynopsisCIMAGL was founded in 1969. It publishes work done at the Institute for Greek and Latin, Copenhagen, or in collaboration with the Institute. The research presented mainly has to do with the Latin trivium and quadrivium, and with Byzantine music.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisThis Handbook is intended to show the links between the philosophy written in the Middle Ages and that being done today. Essays by over twenty medieval specialists, who are also familiar with contemporary discussions, explore areas in logic and philosophy of language, metaphysics, epistemology, moral psychology ethics, aesthetics, political philosophy and philosophy of religion. Each topic has been chosen because it is of present philosophical interest, but a more or less similar set of questions was also discussed in the Middle Ages. No party-line has been set about the extent of the similarity. Some writers (e.g. Panaccio on Universals; Cesalli on States of Affairs) argue that there are the closest continuities. Others (e.g. Thom on Logical Form; Pink on Freedom of the Will) stress the differences. All, however, share the aim of providing new analyses of medieval texts and of writing in a manner that is clear and comprehensible to philosophers who are not medieval specialists. The HaTrade ReviewEdited by Marenbon, this volume succeeds remarkably well in its attempt to be a state-of-the-art overview of analytic approaches to medieval philosophy. * CHOICE *Table of ContentsIntroduction. Making the Case for Medieval Philosophy, John Marenbon ; I. A Survey of Medieval Philosophy ; 1. The Late Ancient Background to Medieval Philosophy, John Marenbon ; 2. Greek philosophy, Borje Byden and Katerina Ierodiakonou ; 3. Arabic Philosophy before Avicenna, Peter Adamson ; 4. Avicenna and Afterwards, Nadja Germann ; 5. Averroes and Philosophy in Islamic Spain, Matteo Di Giovanni ; 6. Jewish Philosophy in Arabic, Charles Manekin ; 7. Jewish Philosophy in Hebrew, Steven Harvey ; 8. Latin Philosophy to 1200, Christophe Erismann ; 9. Latin Philosophy 1200-1350, Russell Friedman ; 10. Latin philosophy 1350-1550, John Marenbon ; 11. Medieval philosophy after the Middle Ages, Jacob Schmutz ; II. Issues in Medieval Philosophy ; Logic and Philosophy of Language ; 12. Logical Form, Paul Thom ; 13. Propositional Logic, Christopher J. Martin ; 14. Modality, Simo Knuuttila ; 15. Theories of Meaning, Margaret Cameron ; 16. Mental Language, Martin Lenz ; Metaphysics and Epistemology ; 17. Universals, Claude Panaccio ; 18. Being, Gyula Klima ; 19. States of Affairs, Laurent Cesalli ; 20. Parts, Wholes, and Identity, Andrew Arlig ; 21. Material Substance, Henrik Lagerlund ; 22. Mind and Hylomorphism, Robert Pasnau ; 23. Body and Soul, Peter King ; 24. Eternity, Taneli Kukkonen ; 25. Skepticism, Dominik Perler ; Moral Psychology, Ethics, Political Philosophy and Aesthetics ; 26. Freedom of the Will, Thomas Pink ; 27. Moral Intention, Ian Wilks ; 28. Virtue and Law, Terence Irwin ; 29. Natural Law, Anthony Lisska ; 30. Rights, Cary Nederman ; 31. Aesthetics, Andreas Speer ; Philosophy of Religion ; 32. Arguments for the Existence of God, Graham Oppy ; 33. Philosophy and the Trinity, Richard Cross

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Trade ReviewThe main objective of this volume is highly innovative and stimulating... Hicks' essay is a very accurate study of Harmony in the Medieval Platonic Cosmos, and is going to become a must for future researchers in a field that includes a number of disciplines with different epistemological statutes. * Letterio Mauro, Università di Genova, Greek and Roman Musical Studies *written from a multidisciplinary perspective that includes musicology, philosophy, and history of science ... the inspiration Hicks's book provides to reflect on the place of music in historical and contemporary ways of world-making. * Jacomien Prins, Isis *Composing the World is itself well-composed -- its chapters flow, despite their many long citations from the works under discussion. As the book is very much about these texts, most readers will be glad of this florilegium ... Hicks has done a wonderful job of making a complex subject and its somewhat forbidding texts accessible and of drawing out their importance and relevance to manifold wider concerns. * Speculum *Andrew Hicks has been so bold as to add a new book about world harmony, the music of the spheres, and the medieval reception of the Pythagorean concept of a creation organised according to musical principles to the already existing wealth of scholarship ... Hicks has chosen an approach which is new and refreshing, and which goes far beyond the boundaries of what already exists on the subject. * Plainsong & Medieval Music *Andrew H's Composing the World is a well-written and informative work. It was undoubtedly a courageous and imaginative decision to embark on a study of the notion of cosmic harmony in twelfth-century Latin sources, since a successful outcome could only be achieved by someone who combines many skills including not only musicology but medieval Latin philology and paleography, not without some acquaintance with the histories of philosophy and science ... Andrew H. is obviously a person of great intelligence and already of considerable learning. It seems to me that with his range of expertise he is adding greatly, and could presumably so add in the future, to medieval musicology and medieval studies more generally. * Mittellateinisches Jahrbuch *This ambitious book opens a new window onto twelfth-century philosophical thought, and successfully shows how deeply Platonic conceptions of harmony were embedded within it. As well as becoming essential reading for medievalists who want to develop their knowledge of speculative music theory, it is also worth the attention of early modernists and scholars who focus on present-day philosophical and scientific thought. * British Journal for the History of Science *Hicks writes towards the beginning of his book that, if we neglect the natural philosophers of the twelfth century, 'we have done ourselves and the discipline of musicology a grand disservice' (p. 8). By bringing a musicological perspective to his engagement with these natural philosophers, he enriches our understanding of the twelfth century's musical speculation and raises new questions that broaden musicology itself. * Music and Letters *There is no other work on this topic that can compare in terms of depth, scope, and complexity. This book is likely to become an indispensable point of reference for the study of both medieval musical theory and the school of Chartres. * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *fascinating insights into the way the medieval mind worked as it tried to develop the notion of "a cosmos animated and choreographed according to a specifically musical aesthetic". * Andrew Benson-Wilson, Early Music Reviews *Table of ContentsContents List of Illustrations Series Editors' Foreword Abbreviations Acknowledgements About the Companion Website PRELUDE: Listening to the Universe PART ONE: The Framework 1. Harmonizing the World: Natural Philosophy and Order 2. Knowing the World: Music, Mathematics, and Physics PART TWO: The Particulars 3. Composing the Human: Harmonies of the Microcosm 4. Hearing the World: Sonic Materialisms 5. Composing the Cosmic: Harmonies of the Macrocosm POSTLUDE: The Musical Aesthetics of a World So Composed Appendix One: William of Conches, Glosulae de magno Prisciano Appendix Two: Hisdosus, De anima mundi Platonica Works Cited Index

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Book SynopsisThe Renaissance has long been recognized as a brilliant moment in the development of Western civilization. However, little attention has been devoted to the distinct contributions of philosophy to Renaissance culture. This volume introduces the reader to the philosophy written, read, taught, and debated during the period traditionally credited with the `revival of learning''. The authors examine the relation of Renaissance philosophy to humanism and the universities, the impact of rediscovered ancient sources, the recovery of Plato and the Neoplatonists, and the evolving ascendancy of Aristotle. Renaissance Philosophy also explores the original contributions of major figures including Bruni, Valla, Ficino, Pico della Mirandola, Pomponazzi, Machiavelli, More, Vitoria, Montaigne, Bruno, and Campanella. Renaissance Philosophy demonstrates the uses of ancient and medieval philosophy by Renaissance thinkers, and throws light on the early modern origins of modern philosophy.Trade ReviewFor those, philosophers and historians of ideas alike, who wish to enlarge their understanding of these complex patterns of influence, Renaissance Philosophy provides a comprehensive and richly documented guide. * TLS *a brilliantly successful piece of work * Renaissance Philosophy *the wealth of information in this book is amazing * THES *Table of Contents1. The Historical Context of Renaissance Philosophy ; 2. Aristotelianism ; 3. Platonism ; 4. Stoics, Sceptics, Epicureans, and Other Innovators ; 5. Nature against Authority: Breaking Away from the Classics ; 6. Renaissance Philosophy and Modern Memory ; Bibliography; Index

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Book SynopsisThe nature and content of the thought of Duns Scotus (c.1266-1308) remains largely unknown except by the expert. This book provides an accessible account of Scotus''s theology, focusing both on what is distinctive in his thought, and on issues where his insights might prove to be of perennial value.Trade Reviewparticularly welcome, as it is the first comprehensive treatment of Duns Scotus's theology in English ... This little book is a remarkabel achievement. * Giorgio Pini, Religious Studies, Vol. 37 *This little book is not easy reading, but is definitely worth the effort. Cross is to be thanked especially because he does not conceal the difficulty of the subject, and infects the reader with the desire to study Scotus's work directly, which is indeed the mark of a successful introduction. * Giorgio Pini, Religious Studies, Vol. 37 *in a few pages Cross manages to cover many different and difficult issues. This is indeed a great merit ... Cross's analytical skilfulness is always rewarding. * Giorgio Pini, Religious Studies, Vol. 37 *Table of Contents1.: Duns Scotus, philosophy, and theology 2.: God: existence, unicity, and simplicity 3.: God: perfection, infinity, and religious language 4.: God: knowledge and agency 5.: God the Trinity 6.: Humanity: body, soul, and immortality 7.: Humanity: freedom, ethics, and sin 8.: Humanity: predestination, merit, and grace 9.: Jesus: God and man 10.: Jesus: predestination and merit 11.: Sacraments Additional notes Bibliography Index locorum General index

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