Duns Scotus: The Subtle Doctor

By: Mary Beth Ingham

Narrated by: Mary Beth Ingham

Length: 4 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

In this audio course, you will explore the remarkable vision of Duns Scotus with Sr. Mary Beth Ingham, CSJ (PhD, University of Fribourg), a leading expert on his life and thought.

Blessed John Duns Scotus, OFM, (1266 - 1308) lived at the height of medieval scholasticism and became one of its premier luminaries. Commended as the Doctor Subtilis (the "Subtle Doctor") for his keen yet nuanced insights, he is rightfully regarded as one of the greatest philosopher-theologians. He influenced a wide range of writers and philosophers from Hopkins to Heidegger, and his thought remains as important as ever.

Now, you can join Sr. Ingham, professor of philosophical theology at the Franciscan School of Theology, on a fascinating overview of his philosophy and theology. In her 12 lecture course, you will look at Scotus' medieval context and position as a successor of Augustine and Aquinas. As you explore the legacy of this Franciscan master, you will find inspiration in his optimism, ongoing conversion, and emphasis on practical action.

Throughout these lectures, Scotus' commitment to Franciscan values and intuitions shines through. In Christianity's third millennium, his vision remains as vibrant and thought-provoking as ever.

©2017 Now You Know Media, Inc. (P)2017 Now You Know Media, Inc.

Critic reviews

"One of the foremost Scotus scholars in the world today, Mary Beth Ingham presents a refreshing and positive understanding of the human person, the nature of God and the value of creation. She weaves a rich tapestry of love, beauty and freedom with expert hands. Presenting the Franciscan worldview of mutuality and goodness, she will entice and enthrall those who hear her." (David B. Couturier, OFM. Cap., Ph.D., D.Min)

Clear exposition - heavy emphasis on theology, rather than philosophy

Ingham has written a nice overview of the thoughts of Duns Scotus. She places him in context in his times, clarifies what the characteristic new things are in his philosophy (compared to e.g. Thomas Aquinas), and is both concise and clear.
Of course, for medieval philosophers there is not sharp boundary between theology and philosophy. Having admitted that, I still thought that there was a lot more theology in these lectures than philosophy. An entire lecture on mariology, and the explanation of what Duns Scotus brings to the field of the dogma’s around Mary, were new to me, but also a somewhat odd point that - apart from conceptually intriguing- has no relevance to anyone apart from the few devout Catholics that have an interest in Duns Scotus. While Ingham repeatedly claims that Duns Scotus is a logician and argues like one, this is not brought about well. Having had extensive lectures on Medieval philosophy in which that was displayed, showed that there is more logic in Scotus than that Ingham brings out.
Ingham also stresses very often that Duns Scotus was a Franciscan. Like she herself. While she makes clear that this is indeed highly relevant, also for his philosophy (and I learned quite bit about that), after a few times I could have missed the next 20 times.

Ingham is not a great narrator - of course, it is nice to hear the author herself, but I think others might have done a slightly better job.

Would I recommend it? Yes, if you are looking for a short but well-balanced insight into both his philosophy AND theology; being interested only in his philosophy, which is discussed in about 4-5 of the 12 lectures, I thought it was a little “thin” in that area. Overall recommendation would be 3.5/5.