The Mind of St. Bernard of Clairvaux (review)
Paul A. Miller
254 JOURNAL OF THE HISTORY PHILOSOPHY early work on the De nuptiis of Martianus Capella, which Schrimpf would see as crucial formative influence Eriugena, Irish philosopher discovered importance seven liberal arts, a concern ties to educational movement colony located at Laon. Moreover, in Martianus's Eriugena found those logical principles he was employ his controversial Liber de diuina praedestinatione. According Schrimpf, attempted Periphyseon capture Christian understanding world through bold analysis Sacred Scripture, particularly treatment Genesis ~-3 books four and five. believes that Eriugena's desire understand kind philosophically based Biblical exegesis is key whole. He points dialectical structure proof work's Carolingian context. The philosophical career is, thus, seen Schrimpf's directed towards answering need for single unified picture. book carefully argued, thought provoking, full insights cannot be adequately treated here. It will occasion much debate, many disagree with both its major emphases central conclusions. places more emphasis, instance, development than would, given philosopher's awareness Augustine later debt Neo-Platonisms Pseudo-Dionysius, Gregory Nyssa, Maximus Confessor. Many, fact, doubt there reflects so different influences deny systematic philosophy. An argument could made that, by neglecting other works, most notably homily Vox spiritualis commentary Gospel John, basic scheme progression not complete. Furthermore, can considered true representative reforms instituted Charlemagne when own training must have taken place Ireland? very great credit Gangolf has dared pose this model context time; whether it wholly or even partially accepted remains seen. PAUL EDWARD DUTTON Simon Fraser University G. R. Evans. Mind St. Bernard Ctairvaux. New York: Clarendon Press, Oxford 1983. Pp. xv + 239. $35.oo. This learned but readable short account Bernard's intellectual life. Dr. Evans already well known students twelfth-century Anselm; study examines sort thinker, filled pleasant illuminating comparisons Anse]m. author deals chiefly preacher theologian, basing discussion splendid new critical edition all saint's BOOK gEVIEWS 255 sermons writings. Some consideration also personality political religious conflicts period. principal force behind Second Crusade 146 occupied leading position advisor popes, emperors, kings. But contemplative rather active who permanent interest. Lovers Dante remember apparition Bernardo climax Paradiso (31:65) , where represents mystical contemplation. gives careful accurate how Bernard, allegorical method interpreting able make texts profitable moral edification spiritual insight. Unlike theologians next century, interested exploration faith reason (141); rather, concerned basis union God love, human becomes perfect image God's will. Faith certitude yet involves mystery (215), an admirably Kierkegaardian...
Journal of the History of Philosophy