Weakness of the Will in Medieval Thought: From Augustine to Buridan

by Risto Saarinen

This book sets out to examine the medieval understanding of Aristotle's famous discussion of "weakness of the will" ( akrasia, incontinentia ) in the seventh book of his Nicomachean Ethics .
The medieval views are outlined primarily on the basis of the commentaries on Aristotle's Ethics by Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas, Walter Burley, Gerald Odonis and John Buridan. An investigation of the earlier Augustinian discussion concerning reluctant actions ( invitus facere ) rounds out the study.
The recent studies of weakness of the will have neglected the medieval philosophers. The present volume fills this gap in historical research and shows that especially the conceptual refinement of the fourteenth-century discussion makes contributions that are comparable to those of twentieth-century philosophers.

Genres: Theology, Philosophy

216 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1994

About the author

Prof. Saarinen’s research focuses on two distinct areas: in ecumenism, he publishes mostly on the bilateral dialogues of the Lutheran churches. He also regularly update his Homepage on the various ongoing Lutheran-Orthodox dialogues. In historical scholarship, he publishes on late medieval, Renaissance and Reformation thought. His recent historical work involves the concepts of will, freedom and self-control, so-called “philosophical psychology,” and the theological applications of gift exchange, gratitude and hospitality. As with freedom and gift exchange, in some cases historical topics intersect with modern ecumenical and theological discussions.

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful guide through the literature, even if not exactly bracing.