Disability in Medieval Christian Philosophy and Theology

This book explores the history of disability in medieval Christian philosophy and theology by comparing the views of medieval authors with modern and contemporary philosophers and theologians. It argues that medieval thinkers often resisted ableist views and developed surprising disability-positive perspectives, while also laying the seeds for modern and contemporary ableist views. The volume is divided into three parts, covering theoretical frameworks, disability in this life, and disability in the afterlife.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book employs the techniques of analytic philosophy and meticulous readings of medieval Christian philosophical and theological texts to explore what these thinkers had to say about what we now refer to as 'disability'. The chapters also compare what these medieval authors say with modern and contemporary philosophers and theologians of disability, thereby enriching our understanding of the history of disability in medieval Christian philosophy and theology and opening up new avenues of research for contemporary scholars working on disability.

The volume is structured into three parts. Part One delves into theoretical frameworks regarding disability, particularly on issues such as the definition(s) of 'disability' and how disability relates to well-being. The chapters are then further divided into two parts to reflect the ways in which medieval philosophers and theologians theorized about disability. Part Two focuses on disability in this life, while Part Three explores disability in the afterlife. Taken as a whole, these chapters support two general observations. Firstly, these philosophical theologians occasionally challenge Greco-Roman ableist views through theological and philosophical anti-ableist arguments and counterexamples. Here, we encounter some surprising disability-positive perspectives that are embedded within various accounts of a happy human life. We also find the equal dignity of all human beings, regardless of ability or disability. Secondly, some of the seeds for modern and contemporary ableist views were developed in medieval Christian philosophy and theology, particularly with regard to personhood and rationality, an intellectualist interpretation of the imago Dei, and the identification of human dignity with the use of reason.

This volume surveys disability across a wide range of medieval Christian thinkers, including Augustine of Hippo, Thomas Aquinas, Bonaventure, John of Damascus, and Julian of Norwich. It examines their views on disability in the context of their broader philosophical and theological frameworks, and highlights the ways in which they contributed to the understanding and treatment of disability in their time. The book also explores the ways in which these medieval perspectives on disability continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about disability, and offers insights into the ongoing challenges and opportunities for promoting disability justice and equality.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the field of disability studies by exploring the rich and complex perspectives of medieval Christian thinkers on disability. It offers a nuanced and multifaceted understanding of the history of disability in medieval Christian philosophy and theology, and highlights the ways in which these perspectives continue to shape our understanding of disability in the contemporary world.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032337005