Medieval Western philosophy Books

Book SynopsisThe Vital Roots of European Enlightenment is a collection of essays which deal with the influence of Ibn Tufayl, a 12th-century Arab philosopher from Spain, on major European thinkers. His philosophical novel, Hayy Ibn Yaqzan, could be considered one of the most important books that heralded the Scientific Revolution. Its thoughts are found in different variations and to different degrees in the books of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Isaac Newton, and Kant. But if Ibn Tufayl''s fundamental values, such as equality, freedom and toleration, which the thinkers of the European Enlightenment had adopted as theirs, paved the way to the French Revolution, they certainly marked the end of the age of reason in southern Spain and the rest of the Islamic world. Ibn Tufayl''s philosophy was appropriated, subverted, or reinvented for many centuries. But the memory of the man who wrote such an influential book was buried in the dust of history. The Vital Roots of European Enlightenment reexamines Ibn Tufayl''s momentous book and its continued influence over contemporary philosophy. This intriguing book will appeal to those interested in comparative literature and religion.Trade ReviewThis is not only a scholarly book which fills a serious gap in classical Arabic studies, it is also a timely foray into the ever intensifying east-west debate. . . . Attar managed to bring together a wealth of information based on her grasp of Western and Arab intellectual history, in order to re-establish the lost connection between the thought of Western enlightenment and the Arab and Islamic rationalist and philosophical tradition. This is a tour de force, a must reading for all those who have despaired over the irrationalist attack on Muslim civilization and its adherents in recent years. Attar's work is in the finest tradition of comparative literary criticism and a painstakingly careful study which finally answers many questions left obscured by the fog of ideological works, medieval and modern. -- Ghada H. Talhami * Arab Studies Quarterly, Spring 2008 *Attar's focused study... remains indispensable in a world where the leader of the current super power has to remind us all about these longstanding— and ultimately mutually sustaining—connections, which we ignore at our peril. * University Of Texas At San Antonio *Samar Attar's Hayy ibn Yaqzan is a man for our times, a teacher of toleration and even a relativist of sorts. That will be hard to accept for those brought up to think of Ibn Tufayl's book as somehow unfolding 'the secrets of the Oriental wisdom mentioned' by Avicenna. But Attar has answers for such cavils and is adept at pointing to the many authors in the early modern Western tradition who may have drawn, wittingly or not, upon Ibn Tufayl's philosophical novel. -- Charles E. Butterworth, University of MarylandTable of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction: Buried in the Dust of History: A Forgotten Arab Mentor of Modern European Thinkers Chapter 2 Serving God or Mammon? : Echoes from Hayy Ibn Yaqzan and Sinbad the Sailor in Robinson Crusoe Chapter 3 The Man of Reason: Hayy Ibn Yaqzan and His Impact on Modern European Thought Chapter 4 Beyond Family, History, Religion, and Language: The Construction of a Cosmopolitan Identity in a Twelfth-Century Arabic Philosophical Novel Chapter 5 The Book that Launched a Thousand Books Chapter 6 The Extraordinary Voyage Chapter 7 A Philosophical Letter, An Allegorical Voyage, or an Autobiography?: Hayy Ibn Yaqzan as a Model in Modern European Literature Chapter 8 Conclusion: A Humanist Thesis Subverted?

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Book SynopsisThe Vital Roots of European Enlightenment is a collection of essays which deal with the influence of Ibn Tufayl, a 12th-century Arab philosopher from Spain, on major European thinkers. His philosophical novel, Hayy Ibn Yaqzan, could be considered one of the most important books that heralded the Scientific Revolution. Its thoughts are found in different variations and to different degrees in the books of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Isaac Newton, and Kant. But if Ibn Tufayl''s fundamental values, such as equality, freedom and toleration, which the thinkers of the European Enlightenment had adopted as theirs, paved the way to the French Revolution, they certainly marked the end of the age of reason in southern Spain and the rest of the Islamic world. Ibn Tufayl''s philosophy was appropriated, subverted, or reinvented for many centuries. But the memory of the man who wrote such an influential book was buried in the dust of history. The Vital Roots of European Enlightenment reexamines Ibn Tufayl''s momentous book and its continued influence over contemporary philosophy. This intriguing book will appeal to those interested in comparative literature and religion.Trade ReviewThis is not only a scholarly book which fills a serious gap in classical Arabic studies, it is also a timely foray into the ever intensifying east-west debate. . . . Attar managed to bring together a wealth of information based on her grasp of Western and Arab intellectual history, in order to re-establish the lost connection between the thought of Western enlightenment and the Arab and Islamic rationalist and philosophical tradition. This is a tour de force, a must reading for all those who have despaired over the irrationalist attack on Muslim civilization and its adherents in recent years. Attar's work is in the finest tradition of comparative literary criticism and a painstakingly careful study which finally answers many questions left obscured by the fog of ideological works, medieval and modern. -- Ghada H. Talhami * Arab Studies Quarterly, Spring 2008 *Attar's focused study... remains indispensable in a world where the leader of the current super power has to remind us all about these longstanding— and ultimately mutually sustaining—connections, which we ignore at our peril. * University Of Texas At San Antonio *Samar Attar's Hayy ibn Yaqzan is a man for our times, a teacher of toleration and even a relativist of sorts. That will be hard to accept for those brought up to think of Ibn Tufayl's book as somehow unfolding 'the secrets of the Oriental wisdom mentioned' by Avicenna. But Attar has answers for such cavils and is adept at pointing to the many authors in the early modern Western tradition who may have drawn, wittingly or not, upon Ibn Tufayl's philosophical novel. -- Charles E. Butterworth, University of MarylandTable of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction: Buried in the Dust of History: A Forgotten Arab Mentor of Modern European Thinkers Chapter 2 Serving God or Mammon? : Echoes from Hayy Ibn Yaqzan and Sinbad the Sailor in Robinson Crusoe Chapter 3 The Man of Reason: Hayy Ibn Yaqzan and His Impact on Modern European Thought Chapter 4 Beyond Family, History, Religion, and Language: The Construction of a Cosmopolitan Identity in a Twelfth-Century Arabic Philosophical Novel Chapter 5 The Book that Launched a Thousand Books Chapter 6 The Extraordinary Voyage Chapter 7 A Philosophical Letter, An Allegorical Voyage, or an Autobiography?: Hayy Ibn Yaqzan as a Model in Modern European Literature Chapter 8 Conclusion: A Humanist Thesis Subverted?

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Book SynopsisThe figure of the intellectual looms large in modern history, and yet his or her social place has always been full of ambiguity and ironies. Between Utopia and Dystopia is a study of the movement that created the identity of the universal intellectual: Erasmian humanism. Focusing on the writings of Erasmus and Thomas More, Hanan Yoran argues that, in contrast to other groups of humanists, Erasmus and the circle gathered around him generated the social spacethe Erasmian Republic of Lettersthat allowed them a considerable measure of independence. The identity of the autonomous intellectual enabled the Erasmian humanists to criticize established customs and institutions and to elaborate a reform program for Christendom. At the same time, however, the very notion of the universal intellectual presented a problem for the discourse of Erasmian humanism itself. It distanced the Erasmian humanists from concrete public activity and, as such, clashed with their commitment to the ideal of an actiTrade ReviewElegantly written, passionate, and informed by a wide learning in Renaissance studies, HananYoran's book explores the origins of the modern figure of the 'intellectual' in the philosophical theories and life-stories of Erasmus of Rotterdam and Thomas More. He shows how these two Christian humanists turned the critical methodologies of their predecessors, the Italian humanists, into a new and much more radical ideology of modern humanity, based on some classical and early Christian conceptions of civic morality. Inasmuch as they dared to challenge the ecclesiastical and political authorities of their time and to create an independent Republic of Letters, they set a compelling example of intellectual nonconformity that is still relevant today. -- Joseph Mali, Tel Aviv UniversityThis study should prompt readers to think carefully about the early sixteenth-century humanist movement from a fresh perspective. * Renaissance Quarterly *Recommended. * CHOICE *Readers who resist Yoran’s characterization of the autonomous universal intellectual for being tendentious will miss some of the more provocative insights this approach yields....Yoran’s bold and insightful investigation solves old problems and raises new questions, and specialists in Northern humanism generally, as well as interpreters of the two focal figures [Erasmus and More], will be instructed and stimulated by this comparative study. * Erasmus Of Rotterdam Society *Indeed, the whole book is redolent of deep immersion in its subject, and of a passionate desire to make Milton's masque speak to contemporary society. * Milton Quarterly *Between Utopia and Dystopia will be of considerable interest to those concerned with the history of ideas for its exploration of oppositions in humanist texts. * Sixteenth Century Journal *Table of ContentsIntroduction Part I. The Erasmian Republic of Letters Chapter 1. Humanism as Form Chapter 2. The Construction of the Erasmian Republic of Letters Chapter 3. Erasmian Humanism: The Reform Program of the Universal Intellectual Part II. The Erasmian Republic and Its Discontents Chapter 4. The Politics of a Disembodied Humanist Chapter 5. More's Richard III: The Fragility of Humanist Discourse Chapter 6. Utopia and the No-place of the Erasmian Republic Conclusion

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Book SynopsisThe Prudence of Love: How Possessing the Virtue of Love Benefits the Lover focuses upon the intersection of philosophical, theological, and psychological issues concerning love. Eric Silverman advocates an account of the virtue of love derived from Thomas Aquinas''s account of charity and makes three claims concerning love''s effect on a person''s happiness. First, he argues that there are at least five distinct ways that possessing the virtue of love contributes to the lover''s happiness. Surprisingly, only one of these benefits is primarily relational, while the other benefits are largely psychological. Second, Silverman argues that the combination of love''s benefits typically increases the lover''s overall level of happiness. Finally, he argues that possessing a loving disposition is a more reliable strategy for increasing one''s overall happiness than possessing an unloving disposition. Throughout The Prudence of Love, Silverman demonstrates that love''s benefits are identifiable according to all four major views of happiness.Trade ReviewThe book is clearly written and well-organized.... Recommended. * CHOICE, July 2010 *This is an interesting, clearly written and broad ranging account of love as a virtue which benefits its possessor, inspired by Aquinas. As well as a plausible positive view, it offers an excellent critique of several contemporary accounts of love. -- Christine Swanton, The University of AucklandIn this wise and humane book, Eric Silverman examines the virtue of love and the benefits of having this virtue. Silverman weaves medieval and contemporary philosophical perspectives on love, happiness and well-being together with empirical research to defend a neo-Thomistic account of love and to argue that the virtue of love benefits its possessor in a variety of ways. Notably, his case does not assume an objective theory of well-being like those of the ancients and medievals. A welcome corrective in an age that too often regards concern for others as a sacrifice, this is a balanced and lucid treatment of love and well-being that will that will edify both philosophers and social scientists. -- Daniel M. Haybron, Saint Louis UniversityShould humans want to be charitable? How should we understand our relationships? What does loving God and our neighbor concretely involve? Exploring such questions in dialogue with an impressive array of contemporary philosophers, Silverman argues for a Thomistic account of charity that exhibits love's benefits for the lover. In superbly readable prose, Silverman reintroduces us to the beauty of charity. This book bodes well for the renewal of philosophy's role in shaping the good life. -- Matthew Levering, University of DaytonTable of ContentsChapter 1 Chapter One: Foundational Issues Chapter 2 Chapter Two: Contemporary Philosophical Accounts of Love Chapter 3 Chapter Three: Aquinas's Account of the Virtue of Love Chapter 4 Chapter Four: The Contemporary Neo-Thomistic Account of Love Chapter 5 Chapter Five: The Benefits of Love Chapter 6 Chapter Six: Unloving Agents

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Book SynopsisThe Prudence of Love focuses upon the intersection of philosophical, theological, and psychological issues concerning love. Eric Silverman advocates an account of the virtue of love derived from Thomas Aquinas''s account of charity and makes three claims concerning love''s effect on a person''s happiness. First, he argues that there are at least five distinct ways that possessing the virtue of love contributes to the lover''s happiness. Surprisingly, only one of these benefits is primarily relational, while the other benefits are largely psychological. Second, Silverman argues that the combination of love''s benefits typically increases the lover''s overall level of happiness. Finally, he argues that possessing a loving disposition is a more reliable strategy for increasing one''s overall happiness than possessing an unloving disposition. Throughout The Prudence of Love, Silverman demonstrates that love''s benefits are identifiable according to all four major views of happiness.Trade ReviewThe book is clearly written and well-organized.... Recommended. * CHOICE, July 2010 *This is an interesting, clearly written and broad ranging account of love as a virtue which benefits its possessor, inspired by Aquinas. As well as a plausible positive view, it offers an excellent critique of several contemporary accounts of love. -- Christine Swanton, The University of AucklandIn this wise and humane book, Eric Silverman examines the virtue of love and the benefits of having this virtue. Silverman weaves medieval and contemporary philosophical perspectives on love, happiness and well-being together with empirical research to defend a neo-Thomistic account of love and to argue that the virtue of love benefits its possessor in a variety of ways. Notably, his case does not assume an objective theory of well-being like those of the ancients and medievals. A welcome corrective in an age that too often regards concern for others as a sacrifice, this is a balanced and lucid treatment of love and well-being that will that will edify both philosophers and social scientists. -- Daniel M. Haybron, Saint Louis UniversityShould humans want to be charitable? How should we understand our relationships? What does loving God and our neighbor concretely involve? Exploring such questions in dialogue with an impressive array of contemporary philosophers, Silverman argues for a Thomistic account of charity that exhibits love's benefits for the lover. In superbly readable prose, Silverman reintroduces us to the beauty of charity. This book bodes well for the renewal of philosophy's role in shaping the good life. -- Matthew Levering, University of DaytonTable of ContentsChapter 1 Chapter One: Foundational Issues Chapter 2 Chapter Two: Contemporary Philosophical Accounts of Love Chapter 3 Chapter Three: Aquinas's Account of the Virtue of Love Chapter 4 Chapter Four: The Contemporary Neo-Thomistic Account of Love Chapter 5 Chapter Five: The Benefits of Love Chapter 6 Chapter Six: Unloving Agents

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Book SynopsisIf we are to distinguish mere non-being from that which is not, yet may be, from that which was not, yet could have been, or from that which will not be, yet could become, we are committed in some way to grant being to possibilities. The possible is not actual; yet it is not nothing. What then could it be? What ontological status could it possess? In Contingency, Time, and Possibility: An Essay on Aristotle and Duns Scotus, Pascal Massie opens these questions by combining two approaches: First, an original inquiry that analyses the notions of chance, fate, event, contradiction, and so forth, and suggests that the distinction between potency and act arises from a confrontation with the impossible. Second, a historical inquiry that focuses on Aristotle and Duns Scotus, two key figures contributing to a fundamental transformation in the history of Western ontology; namely, the transition from a metaphysics of nature (Aristotle) to a metaphysics of the will (Scotus). In doing so, this booTrade ReviewWisely choosing and faithfully following his ancient and modern sources, Pascal Massie proves himself to be a talented and dependable guide for uncovering the ontological foundations of contingency in the worlds of Aristotle and John Duns Scotus. -- Stephen F. Brown, Boston CollegeThis book sheds new light on the ancient question of contingency. Its strength lies in its integrated approach and historical sensitivity. Recognizing that contingency is at stake in logic, ethics and ontology, Massie seeks to understand contingency prior to such disciplinary distinctions. He weaves the ideas of Aristotle and Scotus into a holistic and compelling account of contingency as a central, pressing philosophical and human concern. The result is a discussion of time and possibility that has far-reaching implications for how we understand ourselves in relation to our past and future. -- Christopher Long, Pennsylvania State UniversityTable of ContentsPart 1 Introduction Part 2 Part One. Contingent Encounters Chapter 3 Chapter One. Contingency, Chance, Fortune Chapter 4 Chapter Two. The Surprise and The Why Part 5 Part Two. Modal Hierarchy and its Ontological Foundation Chapter 6 Chapter Three. Contingency, Logic and Logos Chapter 7 Chapter Four. Megarian Possibilities Chapter 8 Chapter Five. The Master Argument Chapter 9 Chapter Six. Aristotle's Resolution Part 10 Part Three. Possibilities, Time, Ontology Chapter 11 Chapter Seven. The Being of Possibilities Chapter 12 Chapter Eight. The Priority of Actuality Chapter 13 Chapter Nine. 'In-Either-Of-Two-Ways' Matter and Limbo Chapter 14 Chapter Ten. The Future of Possibilities Chapter 15 Chapter Eleven. Potentiality and Non-Being Chapter 16 Chapter Twelve. Toward Divine Power Part 17 Part Four. Duns Scotus and the Possibilities of the Will Chapter 18 Chapter Thirteen. 'Ex Nihilo' and 'Post Non Esse' (Scotus'Questions On Metaphysics) Chapter 19 Chapter Fourteen. The Will and Its Objects Chapter 20 Chapter Fifteen. Entitative and Active Contingency Chapter 21 Chapter Sixteen. Preliminary Remarks on a Contemporary Interpretation Chapter 22 Chapter Seventeen. Another Sea-Battle Chapter 23 Chapter Eighteen. Future and Eternity Chapter 24 Chapter Nineteen. The Free Play of The Wills Chapter 25 Chapter Twenty. Saving Contingency: Ockham's Objection Part 26 Conclusion. Thinking the Impossible

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewKitanov’s book is a detailed, well-composed treatment; indeed, one could liken it to an encyclopedia. He presents many positions and discusses them thoroughly according to the sources. . . .He also gives summaries after almost each section, which makes it easy for the reader to grasp the essence of the sections. . . .Kitanov’s book is a good compilation of the different interpretations of Augustine’s (and Lombard’s) view of man’s final happiness in its Christian form. Any scholar interested in the history of beatific enjoyment in the Latin West during the Middle Ages would be well advised to consult Kitanov’s book. * Review of Metaphysics *The author's astute philosophical and logical treatment of its subject prevents a straight-through reading of Beatific Enjoyment from becoming a paralyzing ordeal, rendering instead merely a difficult and careful journey that is well worthwhile. . . .The author's treatment of his subject is an unusual achievement of both historical research and discerning insight into a subject that requires both. Beatific Enjoyment in Medieval Scholastic Debates is highly recommended by this reviewer to anyone willing to persevere in Kitanov's labyrinthine treatment of this very specialized intellectual journey. * The Sixteenth Century Journal *The author's astute philosophical and logical treatment of its subject prevents a straight-through reading of Beatific Enjoyment from becoming a paralyzing ordeal, rendering instead merely a difficult and careful journey that is well worthwhile. . . .The author's treatment of his subject is an unusual achievement of both historical research and discerning insight into a subject that requires both. Beatific Enjoyment in Medieval Scholastic Debates is highly recommended by this reviewer to anyone willing to persevere in Kitanov's labyrinthine treatment of this very specialized intellectual journey. * The Sixteenth Century Journal *Beatific Enjoyment in Medieval Scholastic Debates provides a thorough and reliable analysis of the discussion of medieval beatific enjoyment, enriching our awareness of the epistemic, moral, and psychological resources of this fascinating subject. -- Risto Saarinen, University of HelsinkiSeverin Kitanov’s thorough analysis reveals the tremendous complexity and diversity of medieval views not just on beatitude but also on freedom, the passions, and cognition. Beatific Enjoyment in Medieval Scholastic Debates is invaluable for philosophers and medievalists alike, on topics from natural theology to moral psychology and beyond. -- Eileen Sweeney, Boston CollegeThe book not only brings together the scholarship on the topic to date but maps out whole new areas for research and investigation. -- Michael Dunne, National University of Ireland, MaynoothTable of ContentsChapter 1. Aurelius Augustine and Peter Lombard on Beatific Enjoyment—The Starting Point of the Debate Chapter 2. The Thirteenth Century—Setting up the Key Issues in the Debate Chapter 3. The Early Fourteenth-Century—The High Point of the Debate Regarding the Object and Psychology of Beatific Enjoyment Chapter 4. Early Fourteenth-Century Views of the Enjoyment of the Holy Trinity Chapter 5. Early Fourteenth-Century Views of the Contingency of Beatific Enjoyment

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Book SynopsisThis book comprehensively examines the aesthetic views of Thomas Aquinas, treating both the objective nature and the subjective human experience of beauty. It locates Aquinasâs views in their historical context and illustrates their relations to other popular aesthetic views.Trade ReviewThis study offers an account of Saint Thomas Aquinas’s conception of beauty, the transcendental property associated with objects that, Thomas wrote, 'please when seen.' Though he did not neglect the subjective side in aesthetic perception, Thomas insisted that beauty was never merely in the eye of the beholder. Sevier begins with an examination of the psychological factors involved in aesthetic experience, which entails an appreciation of the complex interplay between desire and pleasure within the human subject. In the central chapter, the author analyzes the objective features in the beautiful object—those essential 'constituents' (proportion, integrity, and clarity) that make particular beings so appealing to perceivers. In addition to tracing the source of these distinctions to the philosophical work of Plato and Pseudo-Dionysius, Sevier addresses the issue of whether Thomas considered beauty a separate transcendental property in relation to being, truth, and goodness. The author suggests that the answer to this textual question, whatever it is, does not affect Thomas’s final judgment that 'everything that exists is de facto also beautiful.' Like its subject matter, this work is a model of proportion, integrity, and clarity. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. * CHOICE *[The book is] a work faithful to the mind of Aquinas and well-versed in his texts. * Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *My first reading of Aquinas on beauty was in a book by Umberto Eco. But Eco believed that the aesthetics of Aquinas is of little value in our age. Sevier argues otherwise and does so with clarity. * Catholic Medical Quarterly *Sevier is to be commended for his pursuit of questions, themes, and texts that are frequently ignored by Aquinas scholarship. Sevier expresses the hope that his volume 'will advance the discussion a little further, that it will expand appreciation for Aquinas’s little acknowledged contribution to the great aesthetic tradition, and that it provides evidence for the all-too-neglected Platonic impulses that punctuate his thought.' On all three counts, Aquinas on Beauty succeeds very well. * Speculum *This book shows us, as Plato thought, that beauty is without a doubt difficult and that in Aquinas it involves aspects of his psychology and ethics, together with his metaphysics and theology—a daunting task for any one book to embark upon—but Sevier’s book does justice to this endeavor. The student of Aquinas will find in this relatively brief book further avenues to pursue on the fascinating, even if at times enigmatic, subject of beauty. * American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly *Of the several books on Aquinas’s aesthetics published in recent decades, Sevier’s is perhaps the boldest attempt to approach beauty by way of Aquinas’s psychology and ethics rather than his epistemology and metaphysics…. Particularly compelling is the way he connects the passions with Aquinas’s theory of beauty. This is a line of research that needs to be deepened, and Sevier has provided an extremely fine resource for doing so. * Philosophy in Review *Another book on Thomas's aesthetics? Yes, because all that might be said hasn't been. Yes, because what Sevier does say offers Thomistic, Scholastic, and aesthetic readers a gift: a fresh survey of Thomas's aesthetics whose expanded scope yields a more beautiful Thomas, not to mention rich endnotes and bibliography. And yes, because there breathes through Aquinas on Beauty exactly the kind of aesthetic delight it means to detail. Theological readers will want more. * Anglican Theological Review *Aquinas’s approach to beauty has not received the attention it deserves among philosophers, theologians, and medievalists. In this excellent and clearly written book, Christopher Scott Sevier provides a thorough, sophisticated and well-documented analysis of it. He recognizes how important it is to understand Aquinas on a range of topics in order to grasp what he says about beauty, and he provides readers with exactly what they need when trying to understand the complexity behind Aquinas’s apparently simple claim that ‘We call those things beautiful which please when seen’. -- Brian Davies, Fordham UniversityChristopher Scott Sevier’s Aquinas on Beauty is a very impressive piece of scholarship on a perennially interesting but notoriously mysterious and elusive subject. The author has done his homework, understood all the relevant medieval nuances of the subject, and has clearly explained and readably expressed Aquinas’ major points directly and succinctly. Sevier demonstrates how Aquinas’ aesthetic follows from and presupposes his metaphysics and cosmology, and clarifies the contrasts between Aquinas and modern theories of beauty. This book will be a touchstone for all subsequent investigations of the subject. -- Peter Kreeft, Boston CollegeTable of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Psychological Components of Beauty Chapter 3 Human Desire and Pleasure Chapter 4 Objective Components of Beauty Chapter 5 Comparison with Significant Influences Chapter 6 Conclusion

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Book SynopsisThis book demonstrates the influence that the philosophical and theological anthropology of Saint Thomas Aquinas had on Nicholas of Cusa's (Cusanus) view of human nature. While Rudolf Haubst suggested that Aquinas had, in fact, influenced several factors of Cusanus' theology, Haubst did not explore the topic of anthropology. Since the philosophy of man is supposed to be one of the determining characteristics of the Renaissance, and because there is a prevailing opinion that Cusanus was not only a Renaissance philosopher but indeed one of the founders of Renaissance humanism, I demonstrate that his view of the place of man in the universe is remarkably similar to the view of Aquinas. A close examination of the texts of both thinkers when compared to some of the leading Renaissance writers indicates that it is not entirely true that Cusanus is Renaissance in his analysis of the human condition. Because Cusanus' copies of some of the works of Aquinas are still intact and his marginal commTrade ReviewOne of the many merits of this handy book lies in its general perspective on Cusanus. Without playing down the differences between philosophy and theology, Führer integrates philosophical, theological, and even religious aspects into his analysis. . . .Führer’s is a thorough and important study of Cusanus’s anthropology in its own right. Furthermore, it is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate on Cusanus’s reliance on scholasticism and, on a larger scale, to the transformation of medieval into early modern thought. * Speculum *It is possible to conduct a study of Cusanus’s use of Aquinas based directly on the text of Aquinas. The result is a remarkable analysis which enriches not only specialists of late medieval philosophy and theology, but is also recommendable for those who are generally interested in medieval anthropology. * Bochumer Philosophisches: Jahrbuch für Antike und Mittelalter *Echoes of Aquinas in Cusanus’s Vision of Man represents the first and only monograph dedicated to the relation of two main thinkers of medieval philosophy and theology. The author not only has detailed knowledge about the doctrines of Aquinas and Cusanus but is also able to present them in a clear and convincing manner. The result is a remarkable analysis which enriches specialists, but is also recommendable for larger audiences interested in medieval anthropology. -- Isabella Mandrella, Ludwig-Maximilians-UniversitätMarkus Führer’s latest book on Nicholas of Cusa fulfils with aplomb what it promises: it presents Cusanus’s original concept of man and its relation to the philosophical and theological anthropology of Thomas Aquinas, showing in detail the great affinity between the two thinkers. The study represents an essential contribution on a key element in the thought of Nicholas of Cusa, a major desideratum in international Cusanus research. -- Henryk Anzulewicz, Albertus-Magnus-InstitutTable of ContentsI. The Nature of Man and his Spiritual Destiny II. The Human Individual III. The Unity of Man’s Soul IV. The Sensible-Corporeal Subordination of the Mind V. Mind–Soul-Body VI. The Rejection of Monopsychism and the Immortality of the Human Mind VII. The Potentiality of the Human Mind as Possibility of Being and Willing All Things VIII.Conclusions

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Book SynopsisAnimal Minds, Animal Souls, Animal Rights explores the thinking of philosophers and theologians about controversies concerning animal consciousness and animal rights. The book presents Bernard Lonergan''s theory about consciousness and the operations of the mind-a theory about two types of knowing and desiring: one shared by humans and animals, and the other, which depends on the activity of asking questions, possessed by humans alone. The author tests this theory against present-day research with apes, and examines religious claims, historical and current, about animals. Animal Minds, Animal Souls, Animal Rights concludes by laying a philosophical and theological foundation for a contemporary ethic in which humans are obligated to exercise intelligent stewardship and ensure the compassionate treatment of animals.Trade Review…an excellent job in laying out the central issues involved in the debate, relating them to the long tradition of Catholic teaching on the subject. Even if one should find his personal proposal for a "delicate stewardship" an unsatisfactory solution, his book provides invaluable material for a thorough rational conversation about the question. In so doing he helps to move the conversation beyond its often polarized state today. -- John T. Pawlikowski, OSM, Ph.D., professor of social ethics, Catholic Theological Union, ChicagoTo have someone as well acquainted with biomedical research as James Parker guide us through the thought of animal rights philosophers is a great service....it is an even greater service to have his summary of a theory of consciousness and cognition that grounds our responsibility to treat animals with respect and compassion. -- Victor Lukas D.V.M., vis, diplomate, American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine, attending veterinarian, University of California Davis…a new perspective….Parker blends his considerable expertise in philosophy, theology, and science to build a convincing model for the use of animals within a framework of responsible, caring stewardship, recognizing the obvious and unavoidable reality that all animals, human and otherwise, exist in a predatory world. Parker's multi-disciplinary framework contrasts sharply with the uni-disciplinary models from philosophy (e.g., Singer and Regan) or theology (Linzey), which demand that human beings change in ways that may simply not be possible. -- Lynn Willis, Ph.D., professor emeritus, Indiana University School of MedicineTable of ContentsChapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Acknowledgements Chapter 3 Chapter 1: Aminal Interests Chapter 4 Chapter 2: Animal Beliefs and Desires Chapter 5 Chapter 3: Conciousness and Cognition Chapter 6 Chapter 4: Desires and Values Chapter 7 Chapter 5: Human and Animal Minds Chapter 8 Chapter 6: Animal Rights Chapter 9 Chapter 7: God's Rights Chapter 10 Chapter 8: Animal Souls Chapter 11 Chapter 9: The Bible Chapter 12 Chapter 10: Animals in Western Thought Chapter 13 Chapter 11: Beyond Animal Rights: A Delicate Stewardship Chapter 14 Appendix: Synagogues, Churches, and Religions Chapter 15 Notes Chapter 16 Bibliography Chapter 17 Index Chapter 18 About the Author

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Book SynopsisApplies scientific research in the fields of biology and genetics to an empirical study of the Greco-Roman civilizations and the European Renaissance. This book explains that humanistic traits seem to rise and fall in lockstep throughout human history, directly or indirectly correlating with changing genetic underpinnings.

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Book SynopsisA new edition of the classic anthology of Christian, Muslin, and Jewish political philosophy in the Middle Ages.Trade ReviewThis updated collection is as timely now as it was back then: few students of political theory are sufficiently conversant with the rich medieval tradition of reflection on such problems as 'reason and revelation' or ‘natural and divine law.’... One cannot argue with the enduring relevance of this work for the study of political philosophy. Summing Up: Highly recommended. * Choice *Table of ContentsGeneral IntroductionPART I: POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY IN ISLAM Edited by Joshua ParensIntroduction1. Alfarabi, The Enumeration of the Sciences Charles E. Butterworth, trans.2. Alfarabi, The Book of Religion Charles E. Butterworth, trans.3. Alfarabi, The Political Regime Charles E. Butterworth, trans.4. Alfarabi, The Attainment of Happiness Muhsin Mahdi, trans.5. Alfarabi, Plato's Laws Muhsin Mahdi, trans.6. Avicenna, On the Divisions of the Rational Sciences Muhsin Mahdi, trans.7. Avicenna, Healing: Metaphysics Michael E. Marmura, trans.8. Alghazali, The Deliverer from Error Richard J. McCarthy, SJ, trans.9. Ibn Bajja, The Governance of the Solitary Lawrence Berman, trans.10. Ibn Tufayl, Hayy the Son of Yaqzan George N. Atiyeh, trans.11. Averroes, The Decisive Treatise Charles E. Butterworth, trans.Bibliography and Further ReadingPART II: POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY IN JUDAISM Edited by Joshua ParensIntroduction12. Saadya Gaon, The Book of Doctrines and Beliefs Alexander Altmann, trans.13. Judah Halevi, The Book of Refutation and Proof on Behalf of the Despised Religion, or, The Kuzari Barry Kogan and Lawrence Berman, trans.14. Maimonides, Logic Muhsin Mahdi, trans.15. Maimonides, The Guide of the Perplexed Ralph Lerner, Muhsin Mahdi, and Joshua Parens, trans.16. Maimonides, Eight Chapters Joshua Parens, trans.17. Maimonides, Letter on Astrology Ralph Lerner, trans.18. Isaac Polgar, The Support of Religion Charles H. Manekin, trans.19. Abravanel, Commentary on the Bible Robert Sacks, trans.Bibliography and Further ReadingPART III: POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY IN CHRISTIANITY Edited by Joseph C. MacfarlandIntroduction20. Roger Bacon, Opus Maius: Moral Philosophy Richard McKeon, Donald McCarthy, and Ernest L. Fortin, trans.21. Thomas Aquinas, Commentary on the Nicomachean Ethics Charles I. Litzinger, trans.22. Thomas Aquinas and Peter of Auvergne, Commentary on the Politics Ernest L. Fortin, Peter D. O'Neill, and Joseph C. Macfarland, trans.23. Boethius of Dacia, On the Supreme Good John F. Wippel, trans.24. Condemnation of 219 Propositions Ernest L. Fortin and Peter D. O’Neill, trans.25. Giles of Rome, On Ecclesiastical Power R. W. Dyson, trans.26. Ptolemy of Lucca, On the Government of Rulers James M. Blythe, trans.27. Dante Alighieri, Monarchy Philip H. Wicksteed, trans.28. Marsilius of Padua, The Defender of the Peace Alan Gewirth, trans.29. William of Ockham, The Dialogue John Kilcullen, trans.Bibliography and Further ReadingIndex

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Book SynopsisIn Ciceronis Topica and De topicis differentiis are Boethius's two treatises on Topics (loci). Together these two works present Boethius's theory of the art of discovering arguments, a theory...

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Book SynopsisPresents seven edited and translated primary texts that shed light on the subject of civic humanism in the Renaissance. This work includes a treatise of Francesco Petrarca on government, two representative letters from Coluccio Salutati, Leonardo Bruni's panegyric to Florence and Francesco Barbaro's letter on wifely duty.Trade Review"An enlightening and stimulating source book and as good an introduction to Renaissance humanism as one can find." * Speculum *"The translations are fluent and accurate. The introductions to each of the authors, with bibliographies, effectively summarize contemporary American and continental scholarship." * Church History *Table of ContentsPreface Abbreviations General Introduction —Benjamin G. Kohl and Ronald G. Witt Francesco Petrarca Introduction —Benjamin G. Kohl How a Ruler Ought to Govern His State —Translated by Benjamin G. Kohl Coluccio Salutati Introduction —Ronald G. Witt Letter to Peregrino Zambeccari —Translated by Ronald G. Witt Letter to Caterina di messer Vieri di Donatino d'Arezzo —Translated by Ronald G. Witt Leonardo Bruni Introduction —Ronald G. Witt Panegyric to the City of Florence —Translated by Benjamin G. Kohl

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Book Synopsis Ockham Explained is an important and much-needed resource on William of Ockham, one of the most important philosophers of the Middle Ages. His eventful and controversial life was marked by sharp career moves and academic and ecclesiastical battles. At 28, Ockham was a conservative English theologian focused obsessively on the nature of language, but by 40, he had transformed into a fugitive friar, accused of heresy, and finally protected by the German emperor as he composed incendiary treatises calling for strong limits on papal authority. This book provides a thorough grounding in Ockham’s life and his many contributions to philosophy. It begins with an overview of the philosopher''s youth and the Aristotelian philosophy he studied as a boy. Subsequent chapters cover his ideas on language and logic; his metaphysics and vaunted razor, as well as his opponents’ anti-razor theories; his invention of the church-state separation; and much more. The concluding chapter sums up Ockham''s compelling philosophical personality and explains his modern appeal.

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Book SynopsisA collection of essays that deals with Thomas Aquinas's metaphysical thought. The volume begins with a presentation and critical evaluation of 20th-century attempts to describe his philosophical thought, and goes on to explain the interrelationship between philosophy and the sciences.

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Book SynopsisOffers a systematic treatment of St. Thomas Aquinas's account of the metaphysical relations of unity-to-union and unity-to-participation in God as the key structuring elements to the nature of love and friendship.

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Book SynopsisThe articles contained in this volume are indicative of a new effort, in the best of current research on the early medieval west, to examine the period from new angles that more fully illumine its vitality and creativity than has been done in the past.Trade ReviewThese are very original essays on a timely subject. -- E. Ann Matter, University of PennsylvaniaThese are very original essays on a timely subject. -- E. Ann Matter, University of PennsylvaniaTable of ContentsThe end of the "Dark Ages", Celia M. Chazelle; literate authority in Bede's story of Imma, Seth Lerer; from brigandage to justice - Charlemagne, 785-794, Thomas F.X. Noble; the originality of early medieval artists, Lawrence Nees.

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Book SynopsisThe concept of power shapes both the political philosophy and the general worldview of the modern age. For this reason, two areas of philosophy - ontology and political philosophy - which were hitherto treated separately, must be brought together. Freedom, Equality, Power brings out the ontological framework shared by the political philosophies of Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. In the last chapter (The Ontological Consequences), the author uses the results of his earlier analyses as the stepping stone for developing some themes belonging to ontology in general.

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Book Synopsis

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