This volume was inspired by Etienne Gilson's query, made in the early 1950s, as to why medieval authors spoke of God's being as infinite, a statement found neither in Judaeo-Christian scriptures nor in Greek philosophy. Divine Infinity in Greek and Medieval Thought deals with Hellenic and Hellenistic philosophers such at the Presocratics, Plato, Aristotle, Plotinus, and Proclus, as well as with Eastern Church fathers such as Gregory of Nyssa and John Damascene. The book also draws on the works of Augustine and such medieval authors as Peter Lombard, Richard Fishacre, Bonaventure, and Aquinas. It concludes that infinity is predicated of God not only extrinsically, but also intrinsically: His very being is infinite - a predication resting on an Aristotelian theory of act/potency or on a Platonic version of participation.
«If a detailed understanding of the history of philosophy (on divine infinity) is what you want and what you are prepared to work for, then read on: you will be richly rewarded by our perusal of the erudite and penetrating studies contained in this volume». (Denis O'Brien, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)
«Leo Sweeney's 'Divine Infinity in Greek and Medieval Thought' will be an invaluable tool for scholars because it bridges the gap in an authoritative and masterly fashion between three periods which often remain unconnected (ancient, patristic and medieval) and, in particular, because it offers a refreshing new assessment of the importance of patristic thought on this subject, thus filling a conspicuous void in modern scholarship.» (Kevin Corrigan, University of Saskatchewan)
«Sweeney's studies of major thinkers' understanding of the notion of infinity are unique and invaluable. This collection is a profound contribution to scholarship.» (Michael B. Ewbank, Loras College) «Sweeney's splendid work on the history of the doctrine of infinity provides excellent resource material for reopening the question of infinity.» (Joseph A. Bracken, S.J., Theological Studies)
«...'Divine Infinity in Greek and Medieval Thought' is an admirable summary of his øthe author's! researches and reflections.» (J.C. Marler, Manuscriptia)
«...they øSweeney's essays! contain a wealth of information on primary and secondary sources in the history of infinity.» (William E. Carroll, Review of Metaphysics)
«La colección de estudios aquí presentada se recomienda por su rigor y erudición.» Félix-Alejandro Pastor, S.I., Gregorianum)
«Leo Sweeney's 'Divine Infinity in Greek and Medieval Thought' will be an invaluable tool for scholars because it bridges the gap in an authoritative and masterly fashion between three periods which often remain unconnected (ancient, patristic and medieval) and, in particular, because it offers a refreshing new assessment of the importance of patristic thought on this subject, thus filling a conspicuous void in modern scholarship.» (Kevin Corrigan, University of Saskatchewan)
«Sweeney's studies of major thinkers' understanding of the notion of infinity are unique and invaluable. This collection is a profound contribution to scholarship.» (Michael B. Ewbank, Loras College) «Sweeney's splendid work on the history of the doctrine of infinity provides excellent resource material for reopening the question of infinity.» (Joseph A. Bracken, S.J., Theological Studies)
«...'Divine Infinity in Greek and Medieval Thought' is an admirable summary of his øthe author's! researches and reflections.» (J.C. Marler, Manuscriptia)
«...they øSweeney's essays! contain a wealth of information on primary and secondary sources in the history of infinity.» (William E. Carroll, Review of Metaphysics)
«La colección de estudios aquí presentada se recomienda por su rigor y erudición.» Félix-Alejandro Pastor, S.I., Gregorianum)