John Buridan

This book offers a concise introduction to philosopher John Buridan, highlighting his influential commentaries on Aristotle and his lasting impact on medieval philosophy, which resonates with modern philosophical inquiries.

John Buridan provides a concise and approachable overview of the philosophical contributions of John Buridan, a notable figure from the 14th century. Although much about Buridan's personal life remains obscure, it is known that he spent a significant portion of his career at the University of Paris, where he engaged in both study and teaching. His writings primarily emerged as a result of his pedagogical activities and include extensive commentaries on Aristotle that encompass a wide range of subjects, including logic, metaphysics, natural science, ethics, and politics.

In addition to his commentaries, Buridan produced influential question-commentaries, a common form of medieval scholastic writing. These works systematically examined complex issues raised in the texts he taught, allowing Buridan to articulate his distinct nominalist perspective on various aspects of Aristotelian philosophy. His innovative approach to logic provided him with the conceptual tools necessary to explore these philosophical inquiries in depth.

Buridan's impact during the late Middle Ages was significant, with his ideas disseminating widely through his own writings and those of his students and contemporaries, such as Nicholas Oresme and Marisilius of Inghen. These scholars further popularized Buridan's concepts, integrating them into the educational frameworks of many European universities. Although his prominence diminished with the decline of scholasticism, Gyula Klima posits that Buridan's academic concerns resonate with modern philosophical debates, highlighting the relevance of his work to contemporary discussions.