Three Philosophical Dialogues: On Truth, On Freedom of Choice, On the Fall of the Devil

Description

In these three dialogues, renowned for their dialectical structure and linguistic precision, Anselm sets out his classic account of the relationship between freedom and sin-its linchpin his definition of freedom of choice as 'the power to preserve rectitude of will for its own sake'. In doing so, Anselm explores the fascinating implications for God, human beings, and angels (good and bad) of his conclusion that freedom of choice neither is nor entails the power to sin. In addition to an Introduction, notes, and a glossary, Thomas Williams brings to the translation of these important dialogues the same precision and clarity that distinguish his previous translation of Anselm's Proslogion and Monologion, which Professor Paul Spade of Indiana University called 'scrupulously faithful and accurate without being slavishly literal, yet lively and graceful to both the eye and ear'.

Anselm; Translated by Thomas Williams

An excellent job. Williams's translation remains faithful to the Latin text while simultaneously proving clear and readable. I'm confident that both the introduction and the translation itself will motivate further study. --Christina Van Dyke, Calvin College