Scholasticism

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Scholasticism is a method of critical thought which dominated teaching by the academics (or scholastics) of medieval universities in Europe from about 1100 to 1700. It originated within the Christian monastic schools that were the basis of the earliest European universities. Scholasticism is best known for its application in theology, especially in the attempt to reconcile the philosophy of the ancient classical philosophers with medieval Christian theology. However, scholastics were applied to many other subjects of study, including philosophy, law, medicine, and mathematics.

Origins and Development

The roots of Scholasticism lie in the early Christian monastic schools, where the study of the Bible and the writings of the early Church Fathers were the focus. The method became more developed and formalized with the foundation of medieval universities in the 12th and 13th centuries. Key figures in the development of Scholasticism include Saint Anselm of Canterbury, Peter Abelard, and Thomas Aquinas. Aquinas, in particular, is noted for his efforts to synthesize the philosophy of Aristotle with Christian theology, a project that had a profound influence on Western thought.

Methodology

The methodology of Scholasticism was characterized by rigorous dialectical reasoning. Scholastics would pose questions, marshal evidence from authoritative texts, and then use logic to resolve contradictions and reach conclusions. This method was applied not only to theology but to all areas of inquiry, reflecting the medieval synthesis of faith and reason.

Impact and Decline

Scholasticism had a profound impact on the development of Western thought, particularly in the areas of theology, philosophy, and law. Its emphasis on reason and logical argumentation helped lay the groundwork for the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution. However, by the 17th century, Scholasticism began to decline, partly due to the rise of new scientific methods and the humanist critique of medieval scholarship. Despite this, Scholasticism's influence can still be seen in modern philosophy and theology.

Legacy

Today, Scholasticism is studied not only for its historical importance but also for its contributions to contemporary theological and philosophical thought. The revival of interest in the works of Thomas Aquinas and other scholastics has led to the development of Neo-Scholasticism, which seeks to apply Scholastic methods to modern problems.