JOURNAL ARTICLE

A Calf from a Tree-Trunk: From a Rustic Proverb to a Standard Scholastic Argument.

  • Published In: Journal of the History of Ideas, 2024, v. 85, n. 1. P. 19 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Ivanov, Sergey 3 of 3

Abstract

The paper deals with the expression "God is able to make a calf from a tree-trunk"—a very popular phrase in medieval treatises, especially in the context of God's omnipotence. Its attestations are thoroughly documented and considered, contexts discussed, and attributions examined. It is argued that the attribution to Anselm of Canterbury is false and late. It is claimed that the phrase goes back to a popular saying as attested by William of Conches, Peter Comestor, and ps.-Bonaventurian Ars concionandi. Thus, it is a rare example of a rustic proverb used in scholastic debates as a standard scholarly argument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of the History of Ideas. 2024/01, Vol. 85, Issue 1, p19
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Literature and Writing
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0022-5037
  • DOI:10.1353/jhi.2024.a917114
  • Accession Number:174880160
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of the History of Ideas is the property of University of Pennsylvania Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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