Abstract

In this, the second edition of his classic study, Albert Zimmermann has once again provided scholars with a remarkable collection of otherwise unavailable texts along with penetrating studies on that perennial metaphysical question: what is the subject of metaphysics. As indicated by the title, Zimmermann’s treatment of the medieval discussion on the object of metaphysical knowledge ranges over the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, covering authors from the generation of Richard Rufus and Roger Bacon up to John Buridan. The new edition takes account of most of the considerable literature that has appeared since the original publication in 1965. Inaugurating the Bibliotheca series being edited under the direction of the illustrious review Recherches de théologie et philosophie médiévales, this volume sets an exceptionally high standard for remaining volumes in the series, which appears likely to produce studies of enduring significance for the study of medieval philosophy.