Basic Writings

by Anselm of Canterbury, S.N. Deane (Translator), Charles Hartshorne (Introduction)

Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) was one of the originators of medievil scholastic philosophy. This collection of his best-known philosophical works contains, among other things, the Proslogium, in which Anselm first put forward the famous ontological argument for the existence of God. Also included are Gaunilo of Maurmoutier's criticism of Anselm's argument and Anselm's reply to Gaunilo.

Genres: Philosophy, Theology, Nonfiction, Classics, Christianity, Religion, Medieval

342 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1100

About the author

born 1033

People best know Italian-born English theological philosopher and prelate Saint Anselm for his ontological argument for the existence of God.


He entered the Benedictine order at the abbey of Bec at the age of 27 years in 1060 and served as abbot in 1079.

Anselm, a Benedictine monk of monastery at Bec, from 1093 held the office of the Church of archbishop of Canterbury. Called the founder of scholasticism, this major famous originator of the satisfaction theory of atonement influenced the west. He served as archbishop of Canterbury under William II. From 1097, people exiled him to 1100.

As a result of the investiture controversy, the most significant conflict between Church and state in Medieval Europe, Henry I again from 1105 exiled him to 1107.

A bull of Clement XI, pope, proclaimed Anselm a doctor of the Church in 1720 . We celebrate his feast day annually on 21 April.

Reviews

[Andrew Morgan Perschbacher]

I read most of this book for class. My appreciation for Anselm has grown immensely through the reading of this book. Excited to see how the Lord uses his thought to aid my walk in Christ.

[Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dense philosophical and theological work that is well worth the time to read, but will require an attentive mindset due to the hair splitting conversations and topics discussed. Some points are easier to follow than others, and even for the casual self proclaimed student of philosophy and theology, there is plenty here that will add to your thinking on some very key topics concerning God. Anselm is an extremely influential philosopher that had an impact on many of the bigger names that are well known today such as Descartes and Kant, so this is certainly an author to become acquainted with if your interests have anything to do with the two subjects listed above or even simply the history associated with them. Recommend to all who are Bible readers or those who are simply curious about God.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has all the essentials. Not that I understand them, but they're there.