Description
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 Helsinki
Severin 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 College
The 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, Maynooth
Table 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
