In Defense of Common Sense: Lorenzo Valla's Humanist Critique of Scholastic Philosophy (I Tatti Studies in Italian Renaissance History)
By
Lodi Nauta (Author)
Hardback
Available / dispatched within 1 - 4 weeks
Quantity
Description
One of the leading humanists of Quattrocento Italy, Lorenzo Valla (ca. 1406-1457) has been praised as a brilliant debunker of medieval scholastic philosophy. In this book Lodi Nauta seeks a more balanced assessment, presenting us with the first comprehensive analysis of the humanist's attempt at radical reform of Aristotelian scholasticism.
This study examines Valla's attack on major tenets of Aristotelian metaphysics, showing how Valla employed common sense and linguistic usage as his guides. It then explicates Valla's critique of Aristotelian psychology and natural philosophy and discusses his moral and religious views, including Valla's notorious identification of Christian beatitude with Epicurean pleasure and his daring views on the Trinity. Finally, it takes up Valla's humanist dialectic, which seeks to transform logic into a practical tool measured by persuasiveness and effectiveness.
Nauta firmly places Valla's arguments and ideas within the contexts of ancient and medieval philosophical traditions as well as renewed interest in ancient rhetoric in the Renaissance. He also demonstrates the relevance of Valla's conviction that the philosophical problems of the scholastics are rooted in a misunderstanding of language. Combining philosophical exegesis and historical scholarship, this book offers a new approach to a major Renaissance thinker. 2 tables CPSIA choking or other US hazard warning - No California Proposition 65 hazard warning necessary
About the Author
Lodi Nauta is Professor of the History of Philosophy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
More Details
- Contributor: Lodi Nauta
- Imprint: Harvard University Press
- ISBN13: 9780674032699
- Number of Pages: 416
- Packaged Dimensions: 156x235mm
- Format: Hardback
- Publisher: Harvard University Press
- Release Date: 2009-04-30
- Series: I Tatti Studies in Italian Renaissance History
- Binding: Hardback
- Biography: Lodi Nauta is Professor of the History of Philosophy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
Delivery Options
Home Delivery
Store Delivery
Free Returns
We hope you are delighted with everything you buy from us. However, if you are not, we will refund or replace your order up to 30 days after purchase. Terms and exclusions apply; find out more from our Returns and Refunds Policy.