Stunning Introduction to the Complex Medieval Theory of 'Universals'

books:

	• Five Texts on the Mediaeval Problem of Universals: Porphyry, Boethius, Abelard, Duns Scotus, Ockham Hackett Pub Co Inc, 1994 - 320 pages average customer review:based on 1 review view larger image
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Stunning Introduction to the Complex Medieval Theory of 'Universals'

"It is easy to motivate the problem of universals. Consider these two capital letters: A A. Ignore everything else about them and for now observe only that they are of the same color; they are both black.... Isn't it obvious that you see two colors here, two blacknesses: the blackness of the first A, this blackness, and then the blackness of the second A, that blackness?... But aren't they visually as distinct as the two letters themselves?... The problem of universals is in effect the problem of deciding between these answers" (pg vii).

The reason I included this long quote is to show how wonderful Paul Vincent Spade's introduction is for this quote illustrates in a nutshell the underling problem of Universals in a clear and precise way (the actual writers on the theory never manage to explain themselves this precisely). The importance of clarity and concise analysis is vital since the Medieval dialogue about the nature of Universals is complex, sometimes excruciatingly difficult, and an introduction which lays out the basic premises and questions is the first step of comprehension! Also, the introduction briefly summarizes each text EXCERPT and their author present in the volume. Portions from Porhyry's 'Isagoge,' Boethius 'Second Commentary on Porphyry's Isagoge,' Peter Abelard's Glosses on Porphyry in his 'Logica 'ingredientibus,'' John Duns Scotus 'Ordinatio,' and William of Ockham's 'Ordinatio' are in the volume. These excerpts trace in chronological order the main philosophers involved with the question of Universals starting with the questions posed by Porphyry.

The introduction and Excerpts form an amazing (yet still somewhat difficult) text for a student interested in Medieval Philosophy. However, volume's wonderful index of the main terms is a great tool for easy clarification and reference. This is simply an invaluable resource and a great starting point for the study of the Medieval problem of Universals!

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New translations of the central medieval texts on the problem of universals are presented here in an affordable edition suitable for use in courses in medieval philosophy, history of medieval philosophy, and universals. Includes a concise introduction, glossary of important terms, notes, and bibliography.