This book presents an introduction to the metaphysical thought of the scholastic Franciscan, John Peckham (c. 1240-1292). Two translations of Peckhams works are provided for the reader: seven of Peckhams Quodlibetal Questions and the entire text of the Summa de Esse et Essentia. In addition, there are two introductory chapters. The first contains some basic information about the man, John Peckham, as well as background information concerning the main issues and debates of his day. The second contains comments on and explanations of the philosophical ideas laid out in the translated texts. This chapter is organized both topically and by text, so that the chapter can be utilized both as an overview of the positions which Peckham presents in the Summa de Esse et Essentia and the Quodlibets, as well as a reference for the reader as they work through the translated texts themselves.
This book provides translations of and extensive commentary on John Peckhams Summa de Esse et Essentia and a selection of his Quodlibetal Questions. The book shows the original character of Peckhams thought by exploring central themes in his metaphysics, such as universal hylomorphism, seminal reasons, individuation, and the ontological status of universals.
