For the theology of the Hypostatic Union (the union of the Son
of God with the human form), the early thirteenth century was
decisive, because in that period theologians resolved debates about
three opinions on the subject that had divided earlier schoolmen.
The second of these opinions now became commonly accepted, and this
agreement influenced the great thinkers of the mid-thirteenth
century, such as Albert the Great, Bonaventure, and Thomas Aquinas.
The early thirteenth century also saw the entry of new
philosophical currents that began to modify theological discussions
and method. Discussion of the mode of union of divine and human
natures in the person – or the hypostasis of the Word –
involved theologians in analyses of nature, essence, substance,
individual, hypostasis, person, unity, composition, and kinds of
union. A study of this topic provides a good testing ground to see
how much and in what way new philosophies actually took hold in
this transitional period.
The four volumes of this study examine the thought of the most
influential theologians of the Hypostatic Union in the early
thirteenth century: William of Auxerre (ca. 1145–1231),
Alexander of Hales (1186–1245), Hugh of Saint-Cher (ca.
1190-1263), and Philip the Chancellor (ca. 1170–1236). Each
volume opens with an analysis of the philosophy used by the
theologian, contributing to the history of a number of important
philosophical concepts. There follows an examination of such topics
as the Incarnation as a doctrine of faith, the mode of union in
Christ, the divine participant in the union, the human nature
assumed, and the communication of idioms.
Parallel organization of each volume allows easy comparison of
the authors. A summary at the end of each volume draws the
theologian’s thought together. A general summary at the end
of the fourth volume provides a review and comparison of the
contribution of the four theologians. The four volumes (ST 7
[William of Auxerre], 12 [Alexander of Hales], 19 [Hugh of
Saint-Cher] and 32 [Philip the Chancellor]) are sold as individual
volumes.