John Duns Scotus

This classic book offers a way of understanding Scotus, as well as contemporary interpretations of Scotus. In his Preface, Gilson cautions that 'it is always imprudent to extract in Scotus's name consequences that he has not deduced.' The timeliness of this warning--which henceforth I intend to heed--makes clear the importance of this translation. * Matthew Levering, James N. and Mary D. Perry Jr. Chair of Theology, Mundelein Seminary, USA * At long last we have a highly readable translation of tienne Gilson's Jean Duns Scot. This book is utterly indispensable for three reasons. First, it offers a lucid introduction to the most important medieval thinker after Aquinas; secondly, it illuminates the thought of the most prominent mediaevalist of the 20th century; and thirdly, John Milbanks interpretative Afterword is a genuine masterclass in its own right. * Rik Van Nieuwenhove, Durham University, UK * Why translate into English today a six hundred eighty-page history of a medieval authors treatment of diverse metaphysical issues, published in French back in 1952? Probably for many of the same reasons that this work was translated into Italian only in 2007. Gilsons original Preface and the translators Appendices provide the perspective to see the worth of translating the mammoth text: together they all offer an invitation to pursue today a deeper understanding of Scotuss collection of metaphysical themes. * Stephen F. Brown, Boston College, USA * Colbert delivers to English readers a translation of a difficult and expansive book. This translation is not only lucidly rendered, as well as faithful to Gilson; it is also a deeply learned volume. Colbert distinguishes this translation throughout by profound immersion in the complex theology and philosophy of Duns Scotsand of medieval scholastic thought in general. For the herculean effort, assiduity, and deep erudition that this volume required, [] readers of Gilson and of Scotus, as well as historian of medieval Christian history and thought, owe Colbert their enthusiasm and gratitude. * Kevin Madigan, Harvard Divinity School, USA *

tienne Gilson (1884-1978) was a French philosopher and historian of philosophy. James Colbert is an Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at Fitchburg State University, USA. He has published translations from French, Spanish, and Italian.

Foreword Translator's Preface Preface Chapter 1: The Object of Metaphysics Chapter 2: The Existence of Infinite Being Chapter 3: The Divine Nature Chapter 4: Origin of the Contingent Chapter 5: Angels Chapter 6: Matter Chapter 7: The Human Soul Chapter 8: Intellectual Knowledge Chapter 9: The Will Chapter 10: Duns Scotus and the Philosophers Appendices A, Bibliographical Information B, Biographical Information C. Alphabetum Scoti Afterword: The Dissolution of Divine Government: Gilson and the 'Scotus Story' Bibliography Index of Names Index of Terms