The Poiein Podcast

Anselm and the Certainty Urge


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In this episode, we’ll consider two ideas that Anselm developed using both the tools of theology and of philosophy. But to understand exactly how reason is being handled during this time, we need to look not only to Anselm’s arguments themselves, but also to his attitude about them.


Anselm provides an in-depth look at the medieval impulse to reconcile reason and faith. We also see the tendency to communicate truths in the form of certainty and necessity.


Sources used in this episode include:


-Leftow, Brian. "Anselm on the Necessity of the Incarnation." Religious Studies 31, no. 2 (1995): 167-85. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20019733.

-Reason & Faith: Philosophy in the Middle Ages. A lecture series by Dr. Thomas Williams on Audible.

-“Socrates to Sartre and Beyond,” Seventh Edition, by Samuel Enoch Stump and James Fieser, 2003.


Thanks for listening to the Poiein podcast. This was episode six of a series on reason and desire.


If you enjoyed what you heard, be sure to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. If you’d like to support the production of these podcasts, donate the amount of your choice at the Poiein podcast’s Patreon account or at juanpalcala.com/podcast. If you benefitted from this episode, consider sharing it with a friend who you think might also benefit.


Just a heads up. The next episode won’t be published until May 31st. As you may be aware, I am a graduate student living with my wife and son in Valencia, Spain. We are approaching the end of the semester, and that means that I am swamped with papers and such. So, I need to focus on that awhile. In the meantime, you can revisit past episodes to re-familiarize yourself with the project.


You can also follow me on Instagram at @juan.p.alcala or on Facebook @jalcala9.

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The Poiein PodcastBy Juan Alcala