13th century:

1
13th century Increased contact with other
cultures (e.g. Muslims, Mongols) Increased
discrimination against outsiders (e.g. Muslims,
Jews, heretics, lepers, homosexuals) Passing
of Classical texts and later works on these
into Europe (e.g. Aristotle, btw. 1140 and 1280)
2
5th c. Fall of the Roman Empire 480-524 Life of
Boethius, who translated some works on
elementary logic into Latin 10th-12th c. Muslim
and Jewish thinkers trying to harmonise
Aristotle with their faiths Avicebron (Solomon
ben Gabirol, 1020-70) Maimonides (Moses ben
Maimon, 1135 Avicenna (Ibn Sina,
980-1037) -1204) Averroës (Ibn Rushd, 1126-98)
3
12th c. Works of Aristotle, along
with commentaries by Jewish and Muslim authors,
translated from Arabic in Sicily and,
especially, Spain Mid-13th c. Original Greek
texts available Old Logic Older texts
translated by Boethius New Logic Everything
else!
4
Four Elements Earth Air Fire Water
5
Prime Mover Astronomy/Astrology Alchemy
6
Four humours (following Galen (129-c.
216)) Blood Yellow Bile Phlegm Black Bile
7
Robert Grosseteste (1168-1253) Bishop of
Lincoln First-hand knowledge Optics and
light Experimental falsification
8
Roger Bacon (1220-92) Franciscan Experimental
science
9
Jean Buridan (c. 1300-70) and the Theory of
Impetus
Aristotle
Buridan
10
Aristotle on theology Asserting that universe
is eternal Seemingly denying immortality of
soul 13th c. Church tries to ban
or expurgate Aristotles works 1255 Study
for MA at Paris includes study of all
Aristotles scientific works, unexpurgated
11
Augustinian school of thought incl.
Bonaventure (Franciscan, 1217-74) Seeking to
preserve pure teachings of St Augustine of
Hippo (d. 430) Intuitive knowledge and goodness
of will Need for divine illumination Universe
created by God Rejecting opposing philosophical
ideas
12
Latin Averroist school of thought incl. Siger
of Brabant (c. 1240-84) Accepting Averroës
commentaries on Aristotle as true
interpretation, and Aristotles doctrines as
irrefutable conclusions of human
reason Universe eternal souls absorbed into
active intellect when died, but also believe
God created universe and human souls
immortal (double truth)
13
Thomas Aquinas (1225-74)
Son of Italian baron Studies at Naples 1244
Joins Dominicans Studies under Albertus
Magnus (c. 1206-80)
14
Thomas Aquinas (1225-74)
1252 Starts lecturing at Paris 1259-68 At papal
court Then back in Paris until death
15
Thomas Aquinas (1225-74)
Commentaries on Old Testament, New Testament and
Aristotles works Treatises on disputed
points Summa Contra Gentiles (on natural
religion) Summa Theologiae (synthesis on nature
of universe, humans place within
it) Dialectical method
16
Thomas Aquinas (1225-74)
Truths of reason and truths of faith,
never conflicting Human mind, through reason,
can learn truth (Aristotle), but some truths
only known because revealed. Supernatural
truths complementing rational knowledge Argues
against assertions of Aristotle that contradict
Christianity using reason rather than scripture
17
Thomas Aquinas (1225-74)
Emphasis on divine reason Human reason as link
between world of nature and pure spiritual being
of God Five proofs for existence of God 1.
First mover 4. Gradation 2. Efficient
cause 5. Intelligent 3. Necessary
existence Design
18
Thomas Aquinas (1225-74)
On human nature Rational ethics
enabling humanity to attain proper end of
earthly felicity (Aristotle), but humanity
also has higher purpose contemplation of
God On politics State as natural to
humanity (Aristotle), needing to be governed
by rational rulers, but church also needed
to enable humans to attain supernatural destiny