Philosophy of Early Christianity

This book introduces the reader to the philosophy of early Christianity in the 2nd-4th centuries AD, and contextualizes the philosophical contributions of early Christians in the framework of the ancient philosophical debates.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 278 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive new edition offers an in-depth exploration of the philosophical foundations of early Christianity during the second to fourth centuries AD. By contextualizing the philosophical contributions of early Christians within the broader framework of ancient philosophical debates, it provides a rich and nuanced understanding of their thought. The book delves into the early attempts of Christian thinkers to engage with fundamental issues such as cosmogony, first principles, freedom of choice, concept formation, and the body-soul relation. It also examines later philosophical questions, including the status of the divine persons of the Trinity.

The philosophy of early Christianity is presented as a distinct school of thought, engaging in a continuous dialogue with other ancient philosophical schools, including Platonism, Aristotelianism, Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Scepticism. The book examines the philosophical views of prominent Christian thinkers such as Justin Martyr, Clement of Alexandria, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Origen, Basil, and Gregory of Nyssa, shedding light on their unique conceptualizations of traditional philosophical topics and their intriguing contributions.

The core chapters of the book survey the central philosophical concerns of early Christian thinkers and explore their contributions. These range across natural philosophy, metaphysics, logic and epistemology, psychology, and ethics. The topics covered include the origin of the world, the relationship between God and the world, the nature of matter, the acquisition of knowledge, the nature of human freedom, the essence of the soul, and the path to happiness and salvation.

In addition to its examination of early Christian philosophy, this revised edition takes into account recent developments in the area of later ancient philosophy, particularly in the philosophy of Early Christianity. It integrates these developments seamlessly into the narrative, providing a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the philosophical landscape during this period.

Overall, this book is an essential resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the philosophical foundations of early Christianity and its relationship to ancient philosophy. It offers a deep and insightful exploration of the key concepts and debates that shaped the development of early Christian thought, and provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing study of this fascinating subject.

Weight: 446g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367146306
Edition number: 2 New edition