Scotus for Dunces: An Introduction to the Subtle Doctor

This book is a "simple guide" to theological and philosophical aspects of the thought of the medieval Franciscan, John Duns Scotus. Known as the Subtle Doctor, Scotus has a reputation for intricate and technical reasoning. Ingham provides an insightful and creative introduction to his thought in this book. Philosophical and theological principles are explored with clarity and demonstrated by the use of numerous practical examples. By organizing the book around themes that are both timely and urgent, Ingham invites the reader into thoughtful reflection, encourages lively discussion, and challenges Franciscans in particular to consider choosing patterns of relattionships that strive for the good and beauty in all things.

Mary Beth Ingham, CSJ, received her doctorate from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. Her dissertation was published as Ethics and Freedom: An Historical - Critical - Investigation of Scotist Ethical Theory. She has authored numerous other works on Scotus, most significantly The Harmony of Goodness: Mutuality and Moral Living According to John Duns Scotus. She is especially interested in the aesthetic vision that Scotus has of the world and moral human behavior.