The Spirit of Mediaeval Philosophy by Etienne Gilson
This scholarly work represents Etienne Gilson's comprehensive examination of medieval philosophy and its Christian foundations. Originally published as L'esprit de la philosophie medievale, this translation makes Gilson's influential analysis accessible to English-speaking readers interested in the intellectual history of the Middle Ages.
Defining Christian Philosophy in Medieval Thought
Gilson addresses a fundamental question in the history of philosophy: can we form a coherent concept of Christian philosophy, and does medieval philosophy represent its most complete historical expression? His thesis maintains that medieval philosophy embodies the spirit of Christianity penetrating and transforming the Greek philosophical tradition, producing a distinctly Christian worldview from within classical frameworks.
Historical and Theoretical Approach
The book examines medieval thought at its origins, analyzing the precise point where Judeo-Christian concepts merged with Hellenic tradition. Gilson's methodology is primarily historical, tracing the development of ideas through original sources and medieval texts. The work also includes theoretical discussions that demonstrate the continued relevance of medieval doctrines to contemporary philosophical inquiry.
Scholastic Philosophy and Greek Tradition
Through detailed analysis, Gilson shows how medieval thinkers worked within Greek philosophical frameworks while fundamentally transforming them through Christian theological insights. This synthesis produced scholasticism, a rigorous intellectual tradition that dominated European thought for centuries. The book explores how concepts from Aristotle, Plato, and other classical philosophers were reinterpreted through Christian doctrine.
About Etienne Gilson
Etienne Gilson (1884-1978) was Professor of Mediaeval Philosophy at the Sorbonne in 1921, and from 1932 until his retirement in 1951, he held a similar chair at the Collège de France. From 1929 until his death, he was affiliated with the Institute of Mediaeval Studies at the University of Toronto. His scholarly contributions established him as one of the twentieth century's leading authorities on medieval philosophy and scholastic thought.
Paperback Edition Details
This paperback edition from University of Notre Dame Press provides students, scholars, and general readers with access to Gilson's essential text on medieval philosophical traditions. The translation preserves the rigor and clarity of the original French work while making it accessible to English-language audiences studying philosophy, history, or medieval studies.
