The concept of intention in the ethical writing of Peter Abelard

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Stephan Ernst
• Subject Area: Roman Catholic Theology
• Term: from 2016 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 314669725

The concept of intention is one of the central concepts in the ethics of Peter Abelard. Not the external action but only the intention of the actor explains the moral evaluation of an action. This thesis has already caused objection of the contemporaries of Abelard and has led to a vast discussion. Moral theology accused him of represent a pure ethic of conviction (Gesinnungsethik). In contrast to this the newer research has emphasised that Abelard does not deny an objective foundation of the ethics but has underlined the subjective mediation of the moral action in resemblance to Kant. Nevertheless, central texts from Abelards Dialogus also suggest anoth-er understanding. The aim of the project is to determine the meaning and meaning variety of the concept of the intention in Abelard`s ethical writings, especially against the background of the augustinian tradition. In reference to Abelards specific questions the investigative focus should be on the accentuation of his original conception of his ethics and the profiling of his new approach within the historical context. In order to achieve the right understanding one should ask which significance can be put on the intention for the moral evaluation of an action. It should be investigated whether Abelard with his concept of intention also consider the question about moral specification of neutrally describable action. The systematic placing of the historical perspective of the question should result from the current theory of action, in order to sharpen the analysis as well as the possible interpretations of the medieval texts through the differentations of the current philosophy, especially regarding the contemporary debate. This project is part of the more comprehensive plan to investigate and to explain the development of the theological-ethical reflexion in the theology of the Middle Ages.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants