Introduction to the Problem of Individuation in the Early Middle Ages

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This is a study of the Problem of individuation in the early medieval period Its purpose is to develop a general understanding of the then current approach to the problem based On the detailed investigations of the views of key authors of this period and to lay the foundations future investigations. The book begins with a chapter on the problem of individuation which makes no specific reference to the medieval tradition Its purpose is twofold: (a) to present a basic framework that will help in the philosophical comprehension and evaluation of the various doctrines of individuation proposed in this tradition and discussed in subsequent chapters, and (b) to provide a common ground whereby different medieval view may be compared with each other and with contemporary views. With the second chapter begins the historical discussion proper. It deals with Boethius, who introduced several aspects of this problem to the Middle Ages The way Boethiua discussed individuation suggests two basic approaches that were taken up by later figures The first, which is primarily metaphysical, is presented in Chapter III in the context of the view of John Eriugena, Thierry of Chartres, Gilbert of Poitiers and others The second, characterized by a more logical bent, is represented primarily by Peter Abelard and discussed in Chapter IV. The last chapter summarizes the points in earlier chapters and presents a general characterization of the approach to individuation used at this time. The book concludes with a detailed bibliography of the field. Of interest to: Philosophers, logicians, theologians, historians of these disciplines, scholars of medieval studies