Description
Book SynopsisDIVINE ILLUMINATION An important and ground-breaking study which links growing interest in Augustine and medieval philosophy with cutting-edge questions in contemporary philosophy of religion, particularly concerning epistemology and the rationality' of religion.
Janet Soskice, University of Cambridge
In this lucidly argued and solidly documented study, Schumacher uncovers the roots of problems notoriously besetting modern theories of knowledge in conflicting medieval interpretations of Augustine's assumptions about knowledge as divine illumination: an intriguing thesis, which she handles with delicacy and flair.
Fergus Kerr, O.P. University of Edinburgh
Challenges the traditional history of theories of knowledge. A bold and provocative reading.
Olivier Boulnois, École Pratique des Hautes Études (University of Paris, Sorbonne)
Divine Illumination offers an original interpretation of Augustine's theory of knowledge, tracing its de
Trade Review
“Taking Augustine’s Platonism seriously thus affords a better understanding of Augustine’s theory of knowledge than taking either Aristotelian or Avicennan notions of the intellect as normative.” (Scottish Journal of Theology, 1 July 2014)
“Nonetheless, she has written an important and stimulating book.” (Reviews in Religion and Theology, 1 March 2013)
"This volume merits attention from patristic scholars, medievalists, systematic theologians, and philosophers alike." (Religious Studies Review, 1 June 2012)
“Schumacher could very well recommend the epistemological itinerary of the de Trinitate without the challenge of re-writing western intellectual history. I look forward to her next book, which promises to do just that.” (Modern Theology, 1 January 2013)
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments ix
Editions x
Abbreviations xii
Introduction 1
Augustine on Divine Illumination 4
Interpretations of Divine Illumination in Augustine’s Thought 7
Interpretations of Divine Illumination in Medieval Thought 14
Re-interpreting the History of Augustine’s Theory of Knowledge 16
1 Augustine 25
Introduction 25
The Doctrine of God 29
Creation in the Image of God 30
The Fall and Redemption 39
Conforming to the Image of God 42
Divine Illumination 58
2 Anselm 66
Introduction 66
The Image of God 74
Conforming to the Image of God 76
Divine Illumination 82
Anselm the Augustinian 83
3 Divine Illumination in Transition 85
Introduction 85
New Schools 85
New Translations 88
New Religious Challenges 100
New Religious Orders 101
New Intellectual Traditions 103
4 Bonaventure 110
Introduction 110
The Doctrine of God 117
Creation in the Image of God 121
The Fall and Redemption 132
Conforming to the Image of God 135
Divine Illumination 141
Bonaventure the Augustinian? 143
5 Aquinas 154
Introduction 154
The Image of God 160
Conforming to the Image of God 165
Divine Illumination 173
Aquinas the Augustinian 178
6 Divine Illumination in Decline 181
Introduction 181
Peter John Olivi 182
Henry of Ghent 186
John Duns Scotus 194
Augustinian and Franciscan Thought 201
Franciscan and Modern Thought 208
7 The Future of Augustine’s Theory of Knowledge 217
Introduction to a Theological Theory of Knowledge 217
Reason in a Theological Theory of Knowledge 223
Faith in a Theological Theory of Knowledge 226
Conclusion 234
Index 240
