The Philosophy of Peter Abelard
£44.99
- Author: John Marenbon, Trinity College, Cambridge
- Date Published: September 1999
- availability: Available
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521663991
£
44.99
Paperback
Other available formats:
Hardback, eBook
Looking for an inspection copy?
This title is not currently available on inspection
-
This 1997 book offers a major reassessment of the philosophy of Peter Abelard (1079–1142) which argues that he was not, as usually presented, a predominantly critical thinker but a constructive one. By way of evidence the author offers analyses of frequently discussed topics in Abelard's philosophy, and examines other areas such as the nature of substances and accidents, cognition, the definition of 'good' and 'evil', virtues and merit, and practical ethics in detail. Part I discusses Abelard's life and works, and considers problems of chronology and canon (including the question of the authenticity of the correspondence with Heloise). Part II analyses Abelard's ontology, epistemology and semantics, showing how he tried to reconstruct the ideas he had learned from Aristotle, Porphyry and Boethius to fit his presumption that there is nothing which is not a particular. Part III analyses Abelard's ethical theory, showing that it is far wider and more sophisticated than has been believed.
Read more- Offers a major reassessment of the twelfth-century philosopher Peter Abelard (famous in the context of 'Abelard and Heloise')
- Includes detailed studies of Abelard's life, with new datings, and all his writings
- Analyses previously unexamined areas of his thought
Reviews & endorsements
'… most satisfying to read, combining a clear sense of purpose with an exemplary clarity of thought. It is difficult to overestimate its importance for the study of Abelard and of twelfth-century intellectual culture in general.' Early Medieval Europe
See more reviews'… not only an outstanding exposition of Abelard's philosophy, but a work that opens up for specialists and non-specialists the world of twelfth-century thought.' The Times Literary Supplement
Customer reviews
Not yet reviewed
Be the first to review
Review was not posted due to profanity
×Product details
- Date Published: September 1999
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521663991
- length: 396 pages
- dimensions: 229 x 152 x 22 mm
- weight: 0.58kg
- availability: Available
Table of Contents
Preface
List of abbreviations
Note on the reference system
Introduction
Part I:
1. A life
2. Teachings and writings on logic
3. Abelard's theological project
Excursus I: the letters of Abelard and Heloise
Conclusion: Abelard's logic and his theory
Part II: Introduction
4. Logic, philosophy and exegesis
5. Substance, differentiae and accidents
6. Forms and language
7. Perception and knowledge
8. Universals
Conclusion: dicta, non-things and the limits of Abelard's ontology
Part III: Introduction
9. Ethics, God's power and his wisdom
10. God's goodness: theodicy and the meaning of 'good'
11. Act, intention and consent
12. Contempt, law and conscience
13. Virtue, love and merit
Excursus II: love, selflessness and Heloise
14. Ethics, society and practice
Conclusion: Abelard's theological doctrines and his philosophical ethics
General conclusion
Appendix: Abelard as a 'critical thinker'
Select bibliography
Index.
related journals
Sorry, this resource is locked
Please register or sign in to request access. If you are having problems accessing these resources please email lecturers@cambridge.org
Register Sign in» Proceed
You are now leaving the Cambridge University Press website. Your eBook purchase and download will be completed by our partner www.ebooks.com. Please see the permission section of the www.ebooks.com catalogue page for details of the print & copy limits on our eBooks.
Continue ×Are you sure you want to delete your account?
This cannot be undone.
Thank you for your feedback which will help us improve our service.
If you requested a response, we will make sure to get back to you shortly.
×