HISTORY OF LOGIC
The history of medieval logic is a relatively new field of study: if we leave aside a few "classic" works with interpretative views now considered largely outdated (1), the first pioneering studies in this field were made in the second half of this century(2), and it is only in the last twenty years that research into medieval logic has witnessed a more systematic treatment that interest in the subject demands(3).
While this state of affairs presents undeniable problems to the researcher interested in the main themes of logic (e.g. the difficulty in singling out accessible introductory texts, or the fact that even works of some significance still await reliable critical examination(4)), nevertheless it must be said that the speed of development witnessed in this field, and the spirit of enthusiasm with which researchers in numerous countries are co-operating in the examination of texts and new perspectives, are contributing to making the encounter with medieval logic alive and dynamic (and often, at least in theory, quite productive).
These pages are aimed at promoting this encounter, and are primarily addressed to the non-specialist, supplying clear and accessible information on publications, meetings, conferences, news and developments in the field. At the same time, we shall try to provide a further opportunity for making contact, exchanging views and (why not?) also for theoretical reflection involving anyone, and not only in Italy, with an interest in medieval logic.
To this end, we will naturally capitalise on the specific characteristics of the means of communication that we intend using, i.e. the Internet. The possibility of using hyper-textual links within the texts and data supplied will, in time, enable the information gathered in these pages to expand in a hopefully coherent and integrated manner, while allowing the reader to select items of particular interest, to compile a personal reading list. In particular, integration with other network and important resources for those interested in medieval logic will be carefully attended to.
Probably the most important aspect, however, is the ease with which anyone can change from passive reader to active participant in the exchange of information over the Internet: that is why anyone who has comments, suggestions or information to pass on is warmly invited to do so, by e-mail to the person in charge of these pages (Gino Roncaglia).
A brief bibliography in note form follows:
(1) Cf. first of all Prantl K., Geschichte der Logik im Abendlande, 4 vols., Leipzig 1855-1870. (2) In particular, the works of Boehner P., Medieval Logic. An Outline of its Development from 1250 to c.1400, Chicago-Manchester, 1952, and Moody, Truth and Consequence in Medieval Logic, Amsterdam 1953. (3) Maierù A., Terminologia logica della tarda scolastica, Rome, 1972; one of the first systematic study texts in the field to combine philological solidity and theoretical investigation. (4) The main point of reference of this kind has in recent years been put together by Kretzmann N., Kenny A. and Pinborg J. (ed.), The Cambridge History of Later Medieval Philosophy, Cambridge 1982. A useful collection of studies in Italian is in Fedriga R. and Puggioni S. (ed.), Logica e Linguaggio nel Medioevo, Milan 1993; for a general introduction to medieval logic, see Roncaglia G., Logica nuova e logica dei moderni e L'ampliamento della logica, in Rossi P. and Viano C.A., Storia della Filosofia 2. - Il Medioevo, Rome-Bari 1994. A recent and important study by Marmo C.: Semiotica e linguaggio nella scolastica: Paris, Bologna, Erfurt 1270-1330 should also be noted. La semiotica dei Modisti, Rome 1994. |
Gino Roncaglia