Dietrich of Freiberg: Treatise of the Intellect and the Intelligible

by Dietrich Of Freiberg, Fuchrer (Translator)

“Dietrich of Freiberg was unquestionably one of the most important philosophers, theologians, and natural scientists of the Middle Ages . Dietrich’s Opera omnia have been available in a text-critical edition since 1985. Although interpretations of his work have been proliferating, translations thereof have not been so forthcoming. Hence, it is a particular benefit that Dietrich’s Tractatus de intellectu et intelligibili has been rendered into English as the first of his works to be translated for the English-speaking world. I am pleased to recommend this very instructive book not only to those readers who are not yet acquainted with medieval philosophy, but also to those who are not deterred from engaging difficult and fundamental philosophical problems.” — From the Preface of Burkhard Mojsisch. Bochum, German

135 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1992

About the author

Theodoric of Freiberg (c. 1250 – c. 1310, also known as Thierry de Fribourg, Thierry of Freburg, Dietrich of Freiberg, Theodoricus Teutonicus de Vrîberg, or simply Meister Dietrich) was a German member of the Dominican order and a theologian and physicist. He was named provincial of the Dominican Order in 1293, Albert the Great's old post.

Reviews

[Erick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dietrich (also known as Theodoric) of Freiberg was a German Scholastic, educated at the University of Paris, possibly under Henry of Ghent. He went on to take over Abert the Great’s position.

This book is novel in the fact that Dietrich is well versed in Platonism and Neo-Platonism just as he is in Aristotelianism. Whereas it doesn’t seem as though the Chartrian Platonists had access to much Platonism aside from a handful of works, Dietrich was acquainted with Proclus as well; specifically, his Metaphysical Theology. This book seems to be a part of a greater system that Dietrich worked out over many treatises. It’s a shame that more of his works haven’t been translated because what was here was really interesting and tantalizing. One of the main facets of his philosophy revolves around an agent intellect that operates as a kind of model for the forms found in creation. His debt to Neo-Platonists like Proclus is obvious here.

Quite an interesting treatise. It deserves re-reading, although having more English translations of his other treatises would be helpful as well.