Title: Ockham on the virtues
First published: 1997
Description: One of the world's great philosophers, William of Ockham's On the Connection of the Virtues (De connexione virtutum) provides insightful perspectives on ordinary issues of human conduct. Written in reasonably simple and nontechnical language, it is translated into English here for the first time.

Ockham's views on many subjects have been misunderstood, his views on ethics as much as any. This book is designed to avoid some pitfalls that arise in reading medieval philosophy generally and Ockham in particular.

Wood begins her introduction with an account of what is known about Ockham's life and works and with a discussion of his place in the history of philosophy, followed by a brief general guide to his views. Finally, there is a historical account of the medieval debate on the connection of the virtues, to which Ockham's treatise is an important contribution.

Problems of interpretation are addressed in the commentary, which follows the translation. Translation, commentary, and introduction provide students of Ockham's treatise with what they need to appreciate his stance on ethical issues and to approach his arguments critically.
Subjects: Virtues, Early works to 1800, History of doctrines, William, of ockham, approximately 1285-approximately 1349, Virtue and virtues
People: William of Ockham (ca. 1285-ca. 1349)
Time periods: Middle Ages, 600-1500
LC classification: BV4630 .W66 1997