Semantic Minimalism and Contextualism in Light of the Logicality of Language Part III. From Truth to Vagueness:

The Cambridge History of Medieval Canon Law

Anders Winroth

Universitetet i Oslo

John C. Wei

Description

Canon law touched nearly every aspect of medieval society, including many issues we now think of as purely secular. It regulated marriages, oaths, usury, sorcery, heresy, university life, penance, just war, court procedure, and Christian relations with religious minorities. Canon law also regulated the clergy and the Church, one of the most important institutions in the Middle Ages. This Cambridge History offers a comprehensive survey of canon law, both chronologically and thematically. Written by an international team of scholars, it explores, in non-technical language, how it operated in the daily life of people and in the great political events of the time. The volume demonstrates that medieval canon law holds a unique position in the legal history of Europe. Indeed, the influence of medieval canon law, which was at the forefront of introducing and defining concepts such as ‘equity,’ ‘rationality,’ ‘office,’ and ‘positive law,’ has been enormous, long-lasting, and remarkably diverse.

Key Features

• Introduces and explains medieval canon law using as little technical language as possible • Provides a comprehensive survey of medieval canon law, both chronologically and thematically • Includes essays by both established young and senior scholars

Contents

1. Medieval canon law: introduction; Part I. The History of Medieval Canon Law: 2. The early church; 3. Early medieval canon law; 4. Canon law in the long tenth century, 900–1050; 5. The age of reforms: canon law in the century before; 6. The reinvention of canon law in the high middle ages; 7. Canon law in a time of renewal, 1130–1234; 8. The late middle ages: introduction; four remarks regarding the present state of research; 9. The late middle ages: sources; 10. The canon law of the Eastern churches; Part II. The Sources and Dissemination of Medieval Canon Law: 11. Theology and the theological sources of canon law; 12. Church councils; 13. Decretals and lawmaking; 14. Roman law; 15. Law schools and legal education; 16. Local knowledge of canon law, c. 1150–1250; 17. Medieval canon law manuscripts and early printed books; Part III. Doctrine and Society: 18. Procedures and courts; 19. Ecclesiastical property, tithes, spiritualia; 20. The law of benefices; 21. Religious life; 22. The sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist; 23. Confession, penance, and extreme unction; 24. Saints and relics; 25. Marriage: law and practice; 26. Family law; 27. Criminal law; 28. Ecclesiastical discipline: heresy, magic, and superstition; 29. Wars and crusades; 30. Excommunication and interdict; Conclusion; 31. The spirit of canon law; 32. Bibliography of primary sources.

Additional Information

Level: Academic researchers, graduate students

December 2021 229 x 152 mm 550pp 978-1-107-02504-2 Hardback c. £110.00 / c. US$180.00