Medieval Philosophy is a very accessible read. It has been my first exposure to an overview of philosophical Medieval thought; so I cannot comment on Copleston’s skill in treatment or interpretation of the various philosophers cataloged. I give him the benefit of the doubt like I do most authors of history.
I learned a great deal. For example, the distinction between early theology and philosophy. I have heard the phrase, ‘I believe so that I may understand’ before, but I had not been aware of the context it was uttered in before reading this book. If I understand Copleston correctly this statement frames a theological philosophy to work within. Theology informs, by way of revelation, some metaphysical principles, and philosophy works within that framework to define and explain doctrine.
Briefly, it was interesting to see Augustine’s political views on the state contrasted with Aquinas’. I will not go into detail here, but seeing how these two men differed on the role of the ‘natural state’ is worth thinking about how much our thought and attitudes toward the state is effected by our times.
Also, Copleston’s discussions on Ockham’s metaphysics and ethics were really helpful. I am now eager to read Jerry Well’s Good God: Theistic Foundations of Morality, where he argues that the Ockhamists succumb to one of the horns in the Euthyphro Dilemma.
Finally, Copleston introducing me to William of Champeaux has provided me quite a bit of food for thought in personally thinking about and attempting to formulate the Trinity.
I think anyone interested in theology, philosophy, or church history should read this book.
~BW
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