Medieval Philosophy (A New History of Western Philosophy, Vol. 2)

Just like the first volume I've enjoyed reading this work on Medieval Philosophy. For a casual student of philosophy this is probablyas light an introduction as can be imagined. Anything less and it would miss out on a lot of important details. Butit's a good book to start your studies in philosophy and follow up with something a bit more in-depth.

I like everything about this book. The time that it took to arrive and it has really helped me a lot in class.

Dr. Kenny is the Copelston for the new generation. Kenny's attempt to put the history of Western Phil. into four volumes (about 1100 pages) is probably good enough. The organization of volume 2 is very good: roughly 100 pages of history and another 180 pages organized by major topics. This should work well for the reader who has little or no background in Medieval European philosophy. All the prime suspects are given time in the text, even some to the lesser knows get space: Eriugena, John of Mirecouts, & St. Bernard. Kenny's topical review is balanced and does make an effort to bring up uncomfortable topics. Kenny's explanation of Aquinas on property is absolutely correct. Aquinas states explicitly that taking the property of others is NOT a sin when taken out of need. Kenny reminds us of what genuine Christianity is about.However, Kenny does sometimes need to make connections to Frege, Wittgenstein or Russell, none of which is likely helpful to undergraduate students of philosophy. And although I might have congratulated Kenny for his inclusion of Hypathia (he does give a proper overview of what little is known of her life and work) IF he had NOT chosen to illustrate her through the use of a 19th NUDE painting. His illustrations of Augustine, Boethius, Ockham, Duns Scotus, & Averoes all seem to have found some way to put clothing on, but not Hypatia, who is depicted as a victim rather than a scholar. Sexism in philosophy has a long history and Kenny's book is only one small part of it.

I took classes in philosophy for years and I have to say that I was very surprised with this book. Kenny has a great knack for rephrasing the arguments of the Schoolmen in modern philosophical vocabulary without loss of substance. You'll be shocked by how relevant medieval philosophy really is; I'm a little angry undergrad students aren't made more aware of this material. This book accomplishes what every history aspires to: you close the book feel well-informed and freshly energized about the craft of philosophy.The only minor downsides to the book are stylistic. A few strangely-worded cultural references make you feel like you're listening to 'Old Man Kenny' on occasion. More seriously, there are some instances where it's a little hard to follow the narrative voice, leaving you unsure at first where critical exposition ends and judgment begins. Thankfully, though, these defects are minimal in number and effect. Anyone with a moderate interest in philosophy will find this a worthwhile purchase.

No problems

The book expounds the main ideas of the medieval thinkers with great clarity and a pleasing lightness of touch. The book is not only a pleasure to read but to hold and look at. Author and publisher have both done an excellent job.

This fine book, the second volume in Kenny's A New History of Western Philosophy, provides an overview of the major figures and issues in the philosophy of the European Middle Ages. Kenny takes an "intellectual history" approach in the opening section to provide necessary historical context and biographical information on the major figures he will be discussing. In the longer second part of the book, he turns to philosophical issues per se, tackling, in turn, "Logic and Language," "Knowledge," "Physics," "Metaphysics," "Mind and Soul," "Ethics," and "God." Kenny organizes this discussion around a who's who of the major medieval philosophers, including Augustine, Boethius, Avicenna, Anselm, Abelard, Aquinas, Duns Scotus, and Ockham. The chapters on ethics and God, topics so important in the Christian philosophical matrix of the Middle Ages, are very good, but it is the chapter on logic and language that stood out to me as being particularly interesting--Kenny highlights the ways in which medieval thinkers were anticipating issues in the philosophy of language that have been very hot topics among philosophers of the last century.Kenny's book will be useful to anyone with a more-than-casual interest in philosophy or in medieval intellectual history. It may prove too difficult for absolute beginners with no philosophical background. Non-specialist academics and students, among others, will relish the book both for the helpfulness of its content and for the charm and grace of Kenny's writing.

Very clear and, as far as I can judge, comprehensive.

I am very pleased with this book it is in great condition and it was very reasonably priced. Thank you