Medieval Theology and Philosophy from a Cross-Cultural Perspective

Over the last few decades, medieval theology and philosophy have undergone a profound transformation. While it was once regarded as mainly the domain of European Latin Christendom, medieval intellectual history is now understood as an intricate, dynamic, and polycentric web of cross-cultural engagements. With the rise of cross-cultural research methodologies, recent scholarship in the field of medieval theology and philosophy increasingly focusses on shared concerns, mutual influences and profound interactions among the thinkers across Islamic, Christian, Jewish, Chinese, Indian, and other intellectual traditions that flourished from late antiquity through the fifteenth century. This recent reorientation has certainly enriched and diversified medieval theological and philosophical debate. At the heart of this transformation is a recognition of the profound interconnectedness of the medieval world wherein the dialogue is not restricted by geographical boundaries, and religious, cultural and linguistic differences serve as the catalyst for innovation and deeper reflection. The reprint, titled “Medieval Theology and Philosophy from a Cross-Cultural Perspective,” explores the rich and complex interactions among diverse intellectual traditions in the medieval period. It brings together a collection of articles that highlight the interconnectedness of theological and philosophical thought across cultural, religious and linguistic boundaries.