Richard FitzRalph on the Beatific Vision: Delectatio and Beatitudo in his Oxford Lectures on the Sentences (1328–29)

Abstract

Richard FitzRalph was one of the most influential thinkers from Oxford to emerge in the 14th century and was regularly quoted as an authority down to the 16th century. He has been credited as one of several theologians who had an influence on Benedict XII in drawing up his apostolic constitution Benedictus Deus (29 January 1336). Indeed, FitzRalph was asked by the previous Pope, John XXII, to bring a copy of his Oxford Commentary on the Sentences to Avignon at the time of the controversy on the beatific vision. This article focuses on how FitzRalph discussed the topic in his Oxford commentary, given in 1328–29.