Medieval Philosophy: A Multicultural Reader

Medieval Philosophy: A Multicultural Reader is a comprehensive collection of readings from the four main traditions of the medieval period, including Greek-Byzantine, Latin, Jewish, and Islamic traditions. It offers a comparative, multicultural perspective and includes an initial section on predecessors, presenting readings from figures of antiquity upon whom all four traditions have drawn. The volumes are intended for both academic textbooks and general readers, providing a readable and informative guide to these great philosophical and religious traditions that continue to influence our world today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 736 pages
Publication date: 21 February 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Medieval philosophy is a rich and diverse field that encompasses a wide range of philosophical traditions from the Middle Ages. This book, Medieval Philosophy: A Multicultural Reader, aims to provide a comprehensive and comparative analysis of these traditions, including Greek-Byzantine, Latin, Jewish, and Islamic philosophy.

The book is organized into four main sections, each dedicated to a particular tradition. The first section, "Predecessors," presents readings from ancient figures upon whom all four medieval traditions have drawn. These readings provide a historical context for the development of medieval philosophy and help to establish the philosophical foundations upon which the later thinkers built.

The second section, "Greek-Byzantine Philosophy," offers extensive readings from this tradition, which had a profound influence on medieval thought. The readings cover a wide range of topics, from metaphysics and epistemology to ethics and political philosophy. The section includes works by such influential thinkers as Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, and Augustine, as well as Byzantine Christian writers such as St. Basil the Great and St. John Chrysostom.

The third section, "Latin Philosophy," focuses on the philosophical tradition that emerged in Western Europe during the Middle Ages. The readings cover a wide range of topics, from metaphysics and epistemology to ethics and political philosophy. The section includes works by such influential thinkers as Boethius, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Duns Scotus, as well as medieval Jewish and Islamic thinkers such as Maimonides and Averroes.

The fourth section, "Jewish and Islamic Philosophy," explores the philosophical traditions that emerged in the Jewish and Islamic worlds during the Middle Ages. The readings cover a wide range of topics, from metaphysics and epistemology to ethics and political philosophy. The section includes works by such influential thinkers as Moses Maimonides, Al-Kindi, and Avicenna, as well as medieval Christian writers such as St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Bonaventure.

In addition to the four main sections, the book also includes an initial "Introduction" that provides an overview of medieval philosophy and its historical context. The introduction also discusses the key themes and issues that emerged in medieval philosophy and the ways in which these issues continue to be relevant today.

The book is written by a team of noted scholars from various disciplines, including philosophy, history, and religious studies. Each section is introduced by a leading expert in the field, who provides an overview of the readings and highlights the key themes and issues that emerge. The readings themselves are carefully selected and annotated, providing insights into the philosophical ideas and arguments of the medieval thinkers.

Medieval Philosophy: A Multicultural Reader is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of philosophy or in the study of medieval culture. The book offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the four main traditions of medieval philosophy and provides a wealth of readings from early thinkers and contemporary scholars. By exploring the philosophical ideas and arguments of these traditions, the book helps to deepen our understanding of the medieval world and its rich cultural heritage.

Weight: 1394g
Dimension: 245 x 189 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472580399