Dialogus, part 2, part 3, tract 1

John Kilcullen (Editor), John Scott (Editor), Jan Ballweg (Editor), Volker Leppin (Editor)

Research output: Book/ReportEdited Book/Anthology

Abstract

William of Ockham was a medieval English philosopher and theologian (he was born about 1285, perhaps as late as 1288, and died in 1347 or 1348). In 1328 Ockham turned away from 'pure' philosophy and theology to polemic. From that year until the end of his life he worked to overthrow what he saw as the tyranny of Pope John XXII (1316-1334) and of his successors Popes Benedict XII (1334-1342) and Clement VI (1342-1352). This campaign led him into questions of ecclesiology (the study of the nature and structure of the Christian Church, e.g. of the functions and powers of the pope) and political philosophy. The Dialogus purports to be a transcript made by a mature student of lengthy discussions between himself and a university master about the various opinions of the learned on the matters disputed between John XXII and the dissident Franciscans. The student is usually the initiator; he chooses the topics, asks most of the questions and decides when he has heard enough. The master is, so to speak, an expert witness whom the student examines. This volume publishes an edition of two elements of the Dialogus. Part 2 of the Dialogus is not in dialogue form and may not to be the work of Ockham himself. Part 3 is divided into two tracts. Tract 1, which is reproduced in this volume, is on the power of the Pope and clergy.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationOxford
PublisherOxford University Press
Number of pages371
ISBN (Print)9780197264805
Publication statusPublished - 2011

Publication series

NameAuctores Britannici medii aevi
PublisherOxford University Press
Volume20

Keywords

  • Catholic Church--Clergy--Early works to 1800
  • Papacy--Early works to 1800
  • Theology--Early works to 1800

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