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Anselm of Canterbury: The Major Works (Oxford World's Classics) download 2
If you are interested in medieval theology and philosophy, you may want to download 2 of Anselm of Canterbury: The Major Works (Oxford World's Classics), a collection of the most important writings by one of the greatest thinkers of the Christian tradition. In this article, we will give you an overview of Anselm's life and works, and explain why they are still relevant and influential today.
Anselm of Canterbury: The Major Works (Oxford World's Classics) download 2
Introduction
Who was Anselm of Canterbury?
Anselm was born in Italy around 1033, and became a Benedictine monk at the abbey of Bec in Normandy. He was a brilliant student and teacher, and rose to become the abbot of Bec in 1078. In 1093, he was appointed as the archbishop of Canterbury, where he faced many conflicts with the kings of England over the rights and freedoms of the church. He died in 1109, and was later canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
What are the major works of Anselm?
Anselm wrote many works on theology, philosophy, logic, ethics, and spirituality. He is best known for his three main treatises: the Proslogion, the Monologion, and the Cur Deus Homo. These works contain his famous arguments for the existence and attributes of God, his explanation of the incarnation and atonement of Christ, and his exploration of various topics such as free will, truth, justice, grace, and salvation. He also wrote several dialogues, prayers, letters, and meditations that show his skill as a writer and his devotion as a believer.
Why are they important for theology and philosophy?
Anselm's works are important for theology and philosophy because they represent a new approach to rational inquiry and faith. Anselm was not satisfied with simply accepting the doctrines of Christianity as revealed truths; he wanted to understand them with his reason and make them intelligible to others. He used logic and dialectic to construct arguments that demonstrate the coherence and necessity of Christian beliefs. He also anticipated many questions and objections that would be raised by later thinkers, such as Gaunilo, Aquinas, Kant, and Hume. His works have influenced many theologians and philosophers throughout history, such as Bonaventure, Descartes, Leibniz, Berkeley, Hegel, Kierkegaard, and Plantinga.
The Proslogion
What is the Proslogion about?
The Proslogion is Anselm's most famous work, and it contains his ontological argument for the existence of God. The title means "discourse" or "address", and it is written in the form of a prayer to God. Anselm begins by expressing his desire to see and know God, and then he tries to find a way to prove that God exists.
How does Anselm prove the existence of God?
Anselm's argument can be summarized as follows:
God is that than which nothing greater can be thought.
It is greater to exist in reality than only in the mind.
Therefore, if God exists only in the mind, then something greater than God can be thought, namely, a being that exists in reality as well.
But this is impossible, because nothing can be greater than God by definition.
Therefore, God must exist in reality as well as in the mind.
Anselm claims that this argument is valid and sound, and that anyone who understands the concept of God must accept it as true.
What are some objections and responses to Anselm's argument?
Anselm's argument has been challenged by many critics, both in his own time and later. One of the earliest objections was raised by Gaunilo, a monk who wrote a reply to Anselm called On Behalf of the Fool. Gaunilo argued that Anselm's argument is flawed because it can be applied to any concept, such as a perfect island or a perfect unicorn, and lead to absurd conclusions. He also questioned whether we can really understand the concept of God as Anselm defined it.
Anselm responded to Gaunilo by saying that his argument only works for necessary beings, not contingent beings. He also clarified that his concept of God is not based on imagination or analogy, but on reason and revelation. He maintained that his argument is valid and sound, and that anyone who denies it is either ignorant or foolish.
The Monologion
What is the Monologion about?
The Monologion is Anselm's first major work, and it contains his cosmological argument for the existence and nature of God. The title means "soliloquy" or "monologue", and it is written in the form of a meditation on the nature of being. Anselm begins by observing that there are many different kinds of beings in the world, such as good and bad, great and small, eternal and temporal, etc. He then tries to find a way to explain their origin and order.
How does Anselm explain the nature of God and creation?
Anselm's argument can be summarized as follows:
There are many different kinds of beings in the world, but they all have something in common: they exist.
Existence is either derived or original. Derived existence depends on something else for its being, while original existence does not.
There cannot be an infinite regress of derived existences, because then there would be no explanation for their being at all.
Therefore, there must be an original existence that does not depend on anything else for its being.
This original existence is the source and cause of all other existences, and it is what we call God.
Anselm claims that this argument shows that God exists necessarily and eternally, and that he is the supreme being that has all perfections in himself. He also claims that this argument shows that God is one, simple, immutable, incomprehensible, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, good, just, merciful, etc.
What are some implications of Anselm's view of divine simplicity and perfection?
Anselm's view of divine simplicity and perfection has some implications for his understanding of creation and morality. For example:
Anselm argues that God created everything out of nothing (ex nihilo), not out of any necessity or compulsion, but out of his free will and goodness. He also argues that God created everything according to his plan and wisdom, and that everything reflects his glory and beauty.
The Cur Deus Homo
What is the Cur Deus Homo about?
The Cur Deus Homo is Anselm's third major work, and it contains his moral argument for the incarnation and atonement of Christ. The title means "Why God became man", and it is written in the form of a dialogue between Anselm and his student Boso. Anselm tries to answer the question of why God had to become a human being and die on the cross to save humanity from sin.
How does Anselm explain the necessity and rationality of the incarnation and atonement?
Anselm's argument can be summarized as follows:
Human beings were created by God to live in harmony with him and his order, but they sinned by disobeying his will and dishonoring his honor.
Sin is an injustice that creates a debt of honor that human beings owe to God, but cannot pay back by themselves.
God cannot simply forgive sin without satisfaction, because that would compromise his justice and honor, and encourage more sin.
Therefore, God had to find a way to restore his honor and justice, and to reconcile human beings with himself.
The only way to do this was for God to become a human being and offer himself as a sacrifice for sin, paying the debt of honor that human beings owed to God.
This sacrifice had to be made by someone who was both God and man, because only God could pay an infinite debt, and only man could pay a debt owed by man.
This sacrifice was made by Jesus Christ, who was both God and man, and who died on the cross voluntarily and obediently, out of love for God and humanity.
This sacrifice satisfied God's justice and honor, and merited grace and salvation for humanity.
Anselm claims that this argument shows that the incarnation and atonement of Christ were necessary and rational, and that they revealed God's wisdom, power, justice, mercy, and love.
What are some criticisms and defenses of Anselm's theory of satisfaction?
Anselm's theory of satisfaction has been criticized by many theologians and philosophers, both in his own time and later. Some of the main criticisms are:
Anselm's theory is based on a feudal concept of honor that is not appropriate for God or for human relations.
Anselm's theory portrays God as a harsh judge who demands payment for sin, rather than a loving father who forgives freely.
Anselm's theory makes sin more powerful than grace, because it requires an infinite sacrifice to overcome it.
Anselm's theory undermines human freedom and responsibility, because it implies that human beings cannot repent or contribute to their own salvation.
Anselm's theory neglects the life and teachings of Jesus, and focuses only on his death.
Anselm's theory has also been defended by many theologians and philosophers, both in his own time and later. Some of the main defenses are:
Anselm's theory is based on a biblical concept of honor that reflects God's holiness and glory, and human dignity and value.
Anselm's theory portrays God as a just ruler who respects his own order, and a merciful redeemer who pays for sin himself.
Anselm's theory makes grace more powerful than sin, because it shows that God can do what human beings cannot do.
Anselm's theory enhances human freedom and responsibility, because it invites human beings to accept God's gift of salvation by faith.
Anselm's theory includes the life and teachings of Jesus, and shows how they are fulfilled by his death.
Other works by Anselm
What are some other works by Anselm that are included in this edition?
Besides the three main treatises mentioned above, Anselm wrote many other works that are included in this edition of Anselm of Canterbury: The Major Works (Oxford World's Classics). Some of them are:
The De Grammatico, a logical dialogue on the nature of language and grammar.
The De Veritate, a philosophical dialogue on the nature and definition of truth.
The De Libertate Arbitrii, a theological dialogue on the nature and origin of free will.
The De Casu Diaboli, a theological dialogue on the fall and fate of the devil.
The De Concordia, a theological dialogue on the compatibility of God's foreknowledge, predestination, and grace with human freedom.
The De Processione Spiritus Sancti, a theological treatise on the procession of the Holy Spirit from the Father and the Son.
The De Conceptu Virginali et de Originali Peccato, a theological treatise on the virgin conception of Christ and the original sin of humanity.
The De Incarnatione Verbi, a theological treatise on the incarnation of the Word of God.
The De Sacramentis Ecclesiae, a theological treatise on the sacraments of the church.
How do they relate to his main themes and arguments?
All of these works relate to Anselm's main themes and arguments in various ways. They show his consistent use of logic and dialectic to explore and explain the mysteries of faith. They also show his deep interest in topics such as God, creation, sin, grace, salvation, Christ, and the church. They also show his engagement with the views of other thinkers, such as Augustine, Boethius, Eriugena, and Roscelin.
What are some examples of his dialogues, prayers, and letters?
Anselm also wrote several dialogues, prayers, and letters that show his skill as a writer and his devotion as a believer. Some examples are:
The De Humanis Moribus et de Contemptu Mundi, a dialogue between Anselm and his nephew Gundulf on human morals and the contempt of the world.
The Orationes sive Meditationes, a collection of prayers and meditations on various topics such as faith, hope, love, humility, patience, mercy, etc.
The Epistola de Incarnatione Verbi ad Urbanum Papam II et ad Mauricium Archiepiscopum Salernitanum et ad alios Episcopos et Abbatem de Monte Cassino et ad alios Monachos et ad alios Fideles Christianos (Letter on the Incarnation of the Word to Pope Urban II and to Maurice Archbishop of Salerno and to other Bishops and to the Abbot of Monte Cassino and to other Monks and to other Faithful Christians), a letter in which Anselm defends his doctrine of the incarnation against some objections raised by Roscelin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Anselm of Canterbury: The Major Works (Oxford World's Classics) download 2 is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about one of the most influential theologians and philosophers in history. Anselm's works are not only intellectually challenging and stimulating, but also spiritually inspiring and edifying. They invite us to question, think, and learn about God and ourselves, and to believe so that we may understand.
FAQs
Q: How can I download 2 of Anselm of Canterbury: The Major Works (Oxford World's Classics)?
A: You can download 2 of Anselm of Canterbury: The Major Works (Oxford World's Classics) from various online platforms, such as Amazon Kindle Store, Google Play Books, or Oxford University Press. You can also find it in print or ebook format in your local library or bookstore.
Q: What is the difference between download 1 and download 2 of Anselm of Canterbury: The Major Works (Oxford World's Classics)?
A: Download 1 is the first edition of Anselm of Canterbury: The Major Works (Oxford World's Classics), which was published in 1998. Download 2 is the reissue edition of Anselm of Canterbury: The Major Works (Oxford World's Classics), which was published in 2008. The main difference between them is that download 2 has an updated bibliography and some minor corrections.
Q: Who are Brian Davies and G. R. Evans?
New York. He is an expert on medieval philosophy and theology, especially on Aquinas and Anselm. G. R. Evans is a professor emerita of medieval theology and intellectual history at the University of Cambridge. She is an author of many books and articles on medieval thought, especially on Anselm, Abelard, and Bernard of Clairvaux.
Q: What are some other sources to learn more about Anselm and his works?
A: Some other sources to learn more about Anselm and his works are:
The Cambridge Companion to Anselm, edited by Brian Davies and Brian Leftow (Cambridge University Press, 2004), a collection of essays by various scholars on Anselm's life, works, and influence.
Anselm: Aosta, Bec and Canterbury, by David Hogg (Bloomsbury Academic, 2012), a biography of Anselm that focuses on his historical and cultural context.
Anselm's Philosophy, by Sandra Visser and Thomas Williams (Oxford University Press, 2009), a comprehensive analysis of Anselm's philosophical arguments and methods.
Anselm's Theology of the Possible, by Katherin A. Rogers (The Catholic University of America Press, 2018), a study of Anselm's metaphysics and modal logic.
Anselm on Freedom, by Katherin A. Rogers (Oxford University Press, 2008), a study of Anselm's theory of free will and its implications for ethics and theology.
Q: How can I apply Anselm's works to my own life and faith?
A: You can apply Anselm's works to your own life and faith by following his example of seeking to understand what you believe. You can also use his works as a source of inspiration and guidance for your own prayer and meditation. You can also engage with his works critically and creatively, by asking questions, raising objections, finding solutions, and exploring new possibilities.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new about Anselm of Canterbury: The Major Works (Oxford World's Classics) download 2. Thank you for your attention and interest. 71b2f0854b