Peter Abelard (d. 1142)
Sic et Non (Yes and No)
problem of universals: realism (universals exists)
nominalism (names only)
Seven liberal arts: pre-university studies
Trivium:
grammar (Latin)
rhetoric (persuasive speaking)
logic (reasoning); includes dialectics (argument)
Quadrivium:
arithmetic, music, astronomy, geometry
Recovery
of classical texts:
Aristotle: “The
Philosopher” translated into Latin
1260 Politics from Arabic, not directly from Greek
Scholastic
goal:
reconcile faith (Scripture) and reason (Aristotle)
Argumentation, public debates, defense of thesis for degree
13th C. anti-heretical motive: persuade heretics to convert
Syllogistic
reasoning: Major premise: All men are rational.
Minor premise: Socrates
is a man.
Conclusion: Socrates
is rational.
Thomas Aquinas, O.P. Summa Theologica
13th C.
Quaestio (question): example:
“Whether God exists?
Objections:
“It seems that God
does not exist...”
“On the contrary”: correct answer from authority
Scripture, Fathers of Church, Augustine
Answer: “I answer that...” brings reason to bear on
proving truths of Scripture
Response to objections: answers initial objections
Aristotelian categories:
e.g. doctrine of transubstantiation
substance, accident, matter, form
Scholastic proof: rational,
logical, authoritative
synthesis of Christian faith & classical reason
formal definition of truth to combat heresy