Drawing on Anselms Monologion chap. 1 and the other passages of his works referred to in class (On Truth chaps. 1-2, 13 and Cur Deus Homo bk. 1, chap. 12), present and evaluate his theory of universals. What are the main features of his theory and how does he argue for them?

1. In his Commentary on Porphyry, Boethius presents an Aristotelian solution to the problem of
universals (see especially paragraphs 23-32). Is this solution best interpreted as realist or
idealist? Construct a defense of what you take to be the best answer to this question, drawing
on class discussion and anything of relevance in Boethiuss text. Be sure to anticipate and
respond to any obvious weaknesses of the interpretation you favor. (Note: Im not asking
what you think is the best solution to the problem of universals. Im asking what you think is
the best interpretation of Boethiuss Aristotelian solution.)
2. Drawing on Anselms Monologion chap. 1 and the other passages of his works referred to in
class (On Truth chaps. 1-2, 13 and Cur Deus Homo bk. 1, chap. 12), present and evaluate his
theory of universals. What are the main features of his theory and how does he argue for
them? Is his theory realist or idealist? What is the strongest objection that can be raised
against his theory? Do you think this objection is decisive? Why or why not?
3. In his Glosses on Porphyry, Abelard defends a nominalist theory of universals. Present and
explain the main elements of his theory, focusing in particular on what he says about the
common cause of imposition or status (paragraphs 88-92). What sort of theory is this? Is
it really nominalist (or anti-realist)? Or is it better interpreted as some form of realism?
Construct what you take to be the best interpretation of Abelards theory, and be sure to
anticipate any obvious objections to your way of understanding it.
4. Explain the second realist theory presented in Abelards Glosses on Porphyry (paragraphs 41-
47), pointing out (where appropriate) any connections with Boethiuss Commentary on
Porphyry. Discuss in detail what you take to be Abelards strongest objection to it. Do you
think Abelards objection is successful? Why or why not?