Scholasticism Explained: Definition, Origins & History

Summary

The video explores the development of scholasticism, a paradigm shift in educational theory between the 11th and 13th centuries. It contrasts the earlier monastic education focused on scripture and faith practice with the rise of urban cathedral schools that attracted scholars like Anselm of Canterbury, Peter Abelard, and Thomas Aquinas. Scholasticism emphasized logical reasoning in theology and philosophy, especially concerning the relationship between faith and reason, and the concept of universals. The movement played a crucial role in the resurgence of education in the Middle Ages, influencing both theological discourse and the liberal arts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Scholasticism refers to a paradigm shift in educational theory and method between the 11th and 13th centuries, marking a transition in how education was approached.
• 😀 Before the 11th century, monastic education focused on biblical study and contemplative practices, with monks reading and reflecting on scripture.
• 😀 Monastic education was deeply rooted in the theology of Augustine and the early church fathers, emphasizing faith and ministry through practical daily routines.
• 😀 Bernard of Clairvaux, a notable monastic scholar, revitalized monastic education and played a significant role in preaching the Second Crusade.
• 😀 The 11th century saw a rise in secular education, with Cathedral schools becoming the new centers of learning, especially in urban areas like Paris and Northern Italy.
• 😀 Scholastics, such as Anselm of Canterbury and Thomas Aquinas, were known for their traveling and teaching across different schools, bringing new ideas and methods of inquiry.
• 😀 Anselm of Canterbury’s focus was on finding rational arguments for Christian beliefs, while he also emphasized the relationship between faith and reason.
• 😀 Peter Abelard contributed significantly with his work, ‘Sic et Non,’ which encouraged debate and the exploration of contradictions within the Bible and early church writings.
• 😀 Thomas Aquinas, regarded as the brightest Scholastic, emphasized the harmony between faith and reason and his 'Summa Theologica' became a foundational text in Catholic theology.
• 😀 Scholastics grappled with key philosophical questions, such as the relationship between faith and reason and the nature of universals, with differing views from realists, nominalists, and moderate realists.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of education before the 11th century in the West?

Before the 11th century, the primary focus of education in the West was on educating monks, especially in monastic communities. Education was centered around reading and contemplating Scripture, emphasizing theological reflection, prayer, ministry, and ascetic living.

How did Bernard of Clairvaux contribute to monastic education?

Bernard of Clairvaux revitalized monastic education by establishing the influential monastery of Clairvaux. His leadership and ascetic lifestyle made him one of the most influential monks in Europe, and his contributions helped shape monastic scholarship and spirituality.

What significant shift in educational methods occurred in the 11th century?

In the 11th century, there was a shift from monastic education to cathedral schools in urban centers. With more resources available, secular schoolmasters began to run cathedral schools, drawing in a wider variety of students beyond the monastic system.

Who were the 'wandering masters' in the scholastic era, and what was their role?

Wandering masters, also known as scholastics, were scholars who moved from school to school during the Scholastic period. They played a key role in spreading knowledge and teaching by bringing their expertise to various locations, often in urban areas with cathedral schools.

What was Anselm of Canterbury's approach to theology?

Anselm of Canterbury is known for his approach to theology that emphasized using reason to understand matters of faith. He is famous for his works such as *Proslogion* and *Cur Deus Homo*, where he argued for a rational understanding of Christian beliefs, particularly the nature of God, humanity, sin, and salvation.

What was the controversy surrounding Peter Abelard's theological views?

Peter Abelard faced controversy for his views on the Trinity, which were considered unorthodox. His intellectual challenge to traditional theological thinking led to his condemnation at the Councils of Soissons (1121) and Sens (1141), despite his contributions to theological debate.

What was Peter Lombard's most significant work in scholasticism?

Peter Lombard's most significant work was *The Four Books of Sentences*, which systematically explored key theological topics like the Trinity, creation, sin, the Incarnation, virtues, sacraments, and eschatology. His work became a standard theological textbook in medieval cathedral schools.

How did Thomas Aquinas influence Catholic theology?

Thomas Aquinas significantly influenced Catholic theology through his systematic approach in *Summa Theologica*, which integrated Aristotelian philosophy with Christian doctrine. His scholastic method of exploring theological questions from multiple angles made him a foundational figure in Catholic thought.

What were the main philosophical questions addressed by the Scholastics?

The two main philosophical questions addressed by the Scholastics were the relationship between faith and reason (whether faith precedes reason or vice versa) and the nature of universals (whether general concepts, like 'bird', exist independently or are simply human constructs).

What was the debate between realists and nominalists regarding universals?

The debate between realists and nominalists centered around whether universals—general concepts that connect particular things—are real entities or merely human constructs. Realists believed that universals existed independently, while nominalists argued that they were mere ideas to explain similarities between things.