Medieval Philosophy: An Historical and Philosophical Introduction

by John Marenbon

This new introduction replaces Marenbon's best-selling editions Early Medieval Philosophy (1983) and Later Medieval Philosophy (1987) to present a single authoritative and comprehensive study of the period. It gives a lucid and engaging account of the history of philosophy in the Middle Ages, discussing the main writers and ideas, the social and intellectual contexts, and the important concepts used in medieval philosophy. Medieval Philosophy gives a chronological account which: All students of medieval philosophy, medieval history, theology or religion will find this necessary reading.

Genres: Philosophy, History, Medieval, Nonfiction

464 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2006

Reviews

[withdrawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Zelai Xu · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice overview

[Matthew Hurley · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.)