The Rise of Scholasticism
The Rise of Scholasticism
Scholasticism derives its name from the great medieval scholae (“schools”), in which the classic questions of theology and philosophy were debated. Although often portrayed somewhat negatively as a somewhat pedantic and argumentative form of theology, scholasticism should be seen in a much more positive light – as an attempt to create a bold and brilliant synthesis of Christian ideas, capable of undergirding every aspect of life. It can be thought of as a “cathedral of the mind” (Etienne Gilson) – an attempt to do with ideas what the great medieval masons did with stones, as they constructed these impressive architectural masterpieces. At its best, scholastic theology is to the world of ideas what those cathedrals are to the world of architecture.
How may scholasticism be defined? Like many other significant cultural terms, such as “humanism” and “Enlightenment,” it is difficult to offer a precise definition, capable of doing justice to all the distinctive positions of the major schools within the Middle Ages. Perhaps the following working definition may be helpful: scholasticism is best regarded as the medieval movement, flourishing in the period 1200–1500, which placed emphasis upon the rational justification of religious belief and the systematic presentation of those beliefs. “Scholasticism” thus does not refer to a specific system of beliefs, but to a particular way of doing and organizing theology – a highly developed method of presenting material making fine distinctions and attempting to achieve a comprehensive view of theology.
Scholasticism made major contributions in a number of key areas of Christian theology, especially in relation to the discussion of the role of reason and logic in theology. Thomas Aquinas, Duns Scotus, and William of Ockham – often singled out as the three most influential of all scholastic writers – made highly significant contributions to this area of theology, which have served as landmarks ever since and remain referenced in modern theological discussions.