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Medieval Philosophy: An Historical and Philosophical Introduction
Updated to include recent research in the field, this exploration of medieval philosophy looks at the subjectOCOs history, techniques and concepts. Discussing the main writers and ideas, it is the standard companion for all students of the discipline."
464 pages, Unknown Binding
First published July 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 9, 2016
John Marenbon has written an excellent somewhat detailed overview of medieval philosophy. The book is comprehensive, well written text meant for a reader with little knowledge of the topic.
In order to provide the reader with a greater depth of knowledge in important areas and to ensure an understanding of the breadth of the changing scope of medieval philosophy, Marenbon has provided a number of 'interludes' which provide background information and 'studies' which delve into important issues. The reader has his/her hand held throughout the book.
I had only one problem with the book- I retained little of it. Although I understood basically all that I read, in the final analysis it was, like many histories, all 'just one damned [idea] after another. The problem was, of course, all mine. This is not a book I should have undertaken.
It would be an excellent basis for an undergraduate course on the topic. Supplemented by discussion and relevant readings, the book would be fantastic for students, hence the four stars.
In any event, I have struck up an interest in certain medieval philosophers and shall keep Marenbon's book close at hand as a reference as I read the original documents.
In order to provide the reader with a greater depth of knowledge in important areas and to ensure an understanding of the breadth of the changing scope of medieval philosophy, Marenbon has provided a number of 'interludes' which provide background information and 'studies' which delve into important issues. The reader has his/her hand held throughout the book.
I had only one problem with the book- I retained little of it. Although I understood basically all that I read, in the final analysis it was, like many histories, all 'just one damned [idea] after another. The problem was, of course, all mine. This is not a book I should have undertaken.
It would be an excellent basis for an undergraduate course on the topic. Supplemented by discussion and relevant readings, the book would be fantastic for students, hence the four stars.
In any event, I have struck up an interest in certain medieval philosophers and shall keep Marenbon's book close at hand as a reference as I read the original documents.
April 21, 2022
nice overview
October 9, 2012
Done as much as we're reading for class. Helpful overview of medieval philosophical thought, Islamic, Latin, etc. Marenbon summarizes and clarifies (as much as possible) the intricacies of medieval logical developments. (But I still don't get wide-scope vs narrow-scope necessity.)
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews