St. Anselme: Collected Works (eBook)

St. Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) stands as one of the foremost theologians and philosophers of the 11th century. An Italian by birth, Anselm would become one of the most influential thinkers in the Christian tradition, eventually holding the position of Archbishop of Canterbury. He is perhaps best known for his ontological argument for the existence of God, detailed in his seminal work, 'Proslogion,' which is included in his 'Collected Works.' His methodology of 'faith seeking understanding' signified a harmonious blend of theological devotion and rigorous intellectual inquiry, setting a benchmark for medieval scholasticism. Anselm's body of work extends beyond mere apologetics; he also made significant contributions to the development of the philosophical concept of existence and the metaphysics of reality, as can be seen in his 'Monologion.' His lucid and innovative approaches to topics such as atonement, as systematically unfolded in 'Cur Deus Homo,' showcase his ability to marry complex theological doctrines with rational explanations. Anselm's literary style is characterized by clear and methodical prose, aiming to elucidate rather than obfuscate his often sophisticated thought processes. Through his writings, which also include a variety of prayers and meditations, St. Anselm of Canterbury has left an indelible mark on the development of Western philosophical and theological thought.