Anselm of Canterbury (1033–1109), Benedictine monk and the second Norman archbishop of Canterbury, is regarded as one of the most important philosophers and theologians of the Middle Ages. The essays in this volume explore all of his major ideas both philosophical and theological, including his teachings on faith and reason, God's existence and nature, logic, freedom, truth, ethics, and key Christian doctrines. There is also discussion of his life, the sources of his thought, and his influence on other thinkers. New readers will find this the most convenient, accessible guide to Anselm currently available. Advanced students and specialists will find a conspectus of recent developments in the interpretation of Anselm.
• Covers all the major aspects of the thought of a major medieval thinker • There is no comparable volume in print • A convenient and accessible guide for new readers and will also be ideal for students working on Anselm at graduate and undergraduate level
Contents
Introduction Brian Davies and Brian Leftow; 1. Anselm’s life, works, and immediate influence G. R. Evans; 2. Anselm on faith and reason Marilyn Adams; 3. Anselm, Augustine, and Platonism Gareth Matthews; 4. Anselm’s philosophy of language Peter King; 5. Anselm on modality Simo Knuutilla; 6. Anselm’s perfect being theology Brian Leftow; 7. Anselm and the ontological argument Brian Davies; 8. Anselm’s account of freedom Sandra Visser and Thomas Williams; 9. Anselm on truth Sandra Visser and Thomas Williams; 10. Anselm on ethics Jeffrey Brower; 11. Anselm on the Trinity William Mann; 12. Anselm on atonement David Brown.
Reviews
'Anselm‘s modest but reasoned approach to his faith-centred theology is an excellent antidote to much of what passes for Christian thought today. This book is a fine introduction to it.' Church Times
'… the usefulness of this Companion extends well beyond the study of medieval philosophy. … Overall, this is an exceptional collection of essays in terms of the breadth of coverage of Anselm's philosophical and theological writings, the quality and clarity of the essays, and their accessibility and usefulness to students. The Cambridge Companion to Anselm will quickly become a standard resource for teaching both medieval philosophy and the philosophy of religion.' International Journal for Philosophy of Religion
'Philosophers and theologians will find this collection a valuable addition to medieval thought … The Cambridge Companion to Anselm will be a valuable addition to library collections in philosophy, theology and medieval studies.' Reference Reviews
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