Medieval Philosophy: A Contemporary Introduction (Routledge Contemporary Introductions to Philosophy)

Description

This book presents a new, contemporary introduction to medieval philosophy as it was practiced in all its variety in Western Europe and the Near East. It assumes only a minimal familiarity with philosophy, the sort that an undergraduate introduction to philosophy might provide, and it is arranged topically around questions and themes that will appeal to a contemporary audience. In addition to some of the perennial questions posed by philosophers, such as "Can we know anything, and if so, what?", "What is the fundamental nature of reality?", and "What does human flourishing consist in?", this volume looks at what medieval thinkers had to say, for instance, about our obligations towards animals and the environment, freedom of speech, and how best to organize ourselves politically. The book examines certain aspects of the thought of several well-known medieval figures, but it also introduces students to many important, yet underappreciated figures and traditions. It includes guidance for how to read medieval texts, provokes reflection through a series of study questions at the end of each chapter, and gives pointers for where interested readers can continue their exploration of medieval philosophy and medieval thought more generally. Key Features Covers the contributions of women to medieval philosophy, providing students with a fuller understanding of who did philosophy during the Middle AgesIncludes a focus on certain topics that are usually ignored, such as animal rights, love, and political philosophy, providing students with a fuller range of interests that medieval philosophers hadGives space to non-Aristotelian forms of medieval thoughtIncludes useful features for student readers like study questions and suggestions for further reading in each chapter Cover Half Title Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication Table of Contents Acknowledgments 1 Introduction 1.1 Some Initial Questions 1.2 Defining Medieval Philosophy 1.3 Genres and Tips for Reading Them 1.4 History Matters 1.5 Philosophy, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion 1.6 Let Us Begin Suggestions for Further Reading 2 Science, Certainty, and Skepticism 2.1 Varieties and Uses of Skepticism 2.2 Certain Knowledge 2.3 Ghazali’s Encounter with Global Skepticism 2.4 Degrees of Certainty Study Questions Suggestions for Further Reading 3 The Building Blocks of Reality 3.1 Hylomorphism for Beginners 3.2 Universality and Individuality 3.3 The Plurality of Forms Debate 3.4 Universal Hylomorphism 3.5 Are Forms Extended? 3.6 Alternatives to Aristotelian Hylomorphism Study Questions Suggestions for Further Reading 4 What Are We? 4.1 Am I but a Soul? 4.2 Persistence in This Life and the Next 4.3 Mystical Union and the Alleged “Annihilation” of the Self 4.4 Individual Humans, Persons, and Moral Standing Study Questions Suggestions for Further Reading 5 Happiness and the Meaning of Life 5.1 The Greek Background: Eudaimonism and the Emphasis on Virtue 5.2 From Aristotelian Eudaimonia to Heavenly Bliss 5.3 Humility, Emptying Oneself, and Going beyond Virtue 5.4 Resurrection and the Afterlife: Philosophy Encounters Scripture Study Questions Suggestions for Further Reading 6 Love Thy Neighbor 6.1 Self-Love 6.2 Can We Love God? Can God Love Us? 6.3 Loving Your Neighbor and Tough Love 6.4 Bad Company 6.5 Love for All Creation Study Questions Suggestions for Further Reading 7 The Philosopher in Society 7.1 Al-Farabi on the Perfect State 7.2 The Critique of Democracy 7.3 You Can’t Handle the Truth: How the State Talks to Its Citizens 7.4 The Freedom to Be Wrong 7.5 The Philosopher as Stranger in the World Study Questions Suggestions for Further Reading 8 From Here, Where? 8.1 Why Study the History of Philosophy? 8.2 Why Study Medieval Philosophy? 8.3 What Now? Appendix: Timeline of People and Events Bibliography Index