Overview

Foreshadowing and foreboding are omnipresent in historical and contemporary popular culture, astrologers seek to foretell the future and clairvoyants sell their predictions and prophecies even to American presidents. The richness of our vocabulary surrounding precognition is an indication to a focus on knowing the future. The problems of divine foreknowledge and future contingents can be put rather simply: how can God know the future without this entailing that the future come about necessarily? Chris Schabel's study dwells and expands upon this conundrum, looking at historical debates and focusing on Peter Auriol's theory of foreknowledge.

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9780754602040

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Reviews

'The work is based on an impressive amount of firsthand manuscript evidence that carries the reader into previously unexplored territory with damaging the flow of the narrative. The conclusions are well argued and convincing. Given its scope and quality, the book will become the standard on this topic.' Journal of Ecclesiastical History '...there can be no doubting that Schabel's study of Paris fourteenth-century theology has made a major contribution towards our understanding of the complexities and changing patterns of fourteenth-century intellectual practice. This volume, together with Schabel's committed editorial work, is certainly at the forefront of recent works which attempt to portray the fourteenth century as a period of renewal, rather than decline, of the scholastic enterprise.' English Historical Review 'The problem of God's knowledge of future contingents has long been one of the more intractable issues in philosophical theology. This fascinating study provides a snapshot of one of the more interesting periods for discussion of the issue: the first half of the fourteenth century... Schabel has written a stimulating book that unearths a vast amount of interesting and important material.' Journal of Theological Studies 'Chris Schabel...has diligently researched archives and has edited some of Auriol's writings...(he) shows that Auriol is a pivotal figure in the history of the problem and in the history of theology at the University of Paris.' Theology Digest 'For scholars interested in the history of divine conscience in the late-medieval period, these chapters are essential reading and provide an important glimpse into the many positions resulting from Auriol's provocative theory. With this volume Auriol has regained his position in the history of medieval discussions of God, omniscience, and temporality.' Speculum '... an important contribution to the literature not least because it takes the account beyon Peter.' Theological Studies

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Chris Schabel, University of Cyprus

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