Joseph W. Koterski’s An Introduction to Medieval Philosophy: Basic Concepts

Father Joseph Koterski, a Jesuit Priest and educator at Fordham University entered into his Eternal Reward in 2021, but he left a legacy of education behind on earth. I was first introduced to him via The Great Courses. First listening to his course on the Ethics of Aristotle and then his course on Natural Law and Human Nature.

It was in one of the introductions to these lectures that I first learned of his only book: An Introduction to Medieval Philosophy. While I grew a little bored with his lecture on Natural Law, I still go back to his lectures on Aristotle as a refreshment course, especially before I read a work on philosophy. The lectures are a great introduction if you’re intimidated by works like the Nichomachean Ethics.    

Intro to Medieval Philosophy is just that, an introduction. It’s a good place to start for those interested in a deeper understanding of the thought patterns of medieval peoples. When I say the “thought patterns of medieval people” I am very strictly speaking about the thought of the educated, religious elite. That is, the great founders of the University System, the theologists who’s thoughts form the rudimentary thought of Modernity.

Koterski sticks closely to the philosophy of Western Christianity, stating openly in his introduction that enlarging the scope to include Western Jewish philosophy or Eastern Christianity would do a deep disservice to those philosophical traditions. It makes me wonder if he intended other books to explore those topics? It’s a shame that he never got to them, as his Great Course works suggest he was familiar with them and his writing shows him to be excellent teacher. He is clear and concise, the divisions of the book make sense, and appear to layer concepts on top of each other—which is really the only way to teach philosophy.

Medieval philosophy can truly be summed up in the words of Saint Augustine: credo ut intellegam and intelligo ut credam. “I believe so that I may understand,” and “I understand so that I may believe.” Saint Anselm would tidy these two sentiments into a neat creed: fides quaerens intellectum, “faith seeking understanding.”  

A reader looking for skepticism will not find it here; he will find an honest introduction to the philosophical thinking of the medieval mind with all its complex variety and petty hobgoblins. Like most medieval studies, whether history or philosophy or literature, this book will bust the myths modern man (and especially Victorian man) have constructed around the so called “Dark Ages.”            

Once you know what to look for, you’ll see it everywhere. Modern Man does not move without slamming into Thomas Aquinas, or Augustine, or Anselm. I’m enjoying the study, especially because no one is ever above reviewing the basics. It’s not for everyone, no book ever is.