HoP 431 - Calvin Normore on Scholasticism

Scholasticism as a Way of Doing Philosophy

Scholasticism is seen as a way of doing philosophy through commentary on a set curriculum of texts. This approach has ancient roots, where scholars would work on the texts in schools and teachers would write commentaries on them. In the 12th century, scholasticism began to be regarded as the primary way of doing philosophy, especially with the establishment of universities and a set curriculum that included the texts of Aristotle. The method involved lecturing on the texts, commenting on them, and looking for particular questions suggested by the text. Scholasticism continued into the 17th and even 18th centuries, and its influence can still be seen today, as many teachers use texts and commentaries in their teaching.

The Development of Logic in Scholasticism

Logic played a significant role in scholasticism, particularly in the study of philosophy and other disciplines. The understanding of logic evolved over time, with a broader conception of logic in antiquity that included various fallacies and dialogue techniques. Boethius translated works of Plato and Aristotle into Latin, but could only complete the early parts of Aristotle's logic, which shaped the Latin tradition. In the 12th century, a fusion of Aristotelian syllogistic and Stoic logic emerged, leading to new developments in logical thinking. The scholastic period saw the exploration of logical form and debates on validity. The conception of logic shifted over the centuries, influenced by relevance, truth-preservation, and the pursuit of knowledge and discovery. These developments influenced critical thinking, theological debates, and methods of argumentation.

Legacy and Relevance of Scholasticism

While scholasticism declined in popularity in the early modern period, its influence and legacy can still be observed today. The scholastic approach to philosophy, emphasizing commentary, reasoning, and systematic study, has a lasting impact on how philosophy is taught and practiced. Studying the history of philosophy, including scholasticism, helps us understand the development of concepts, debates, and methodologies in contemporary philosophy. Scholasticism also laid the foundation for critical thinking, evaluating arguments, and exploring complex ideas across various disciplines. Although its specific teachings may not be the primary focus of modern philosophers, the analytical and rigorous mindset fostered by scholasticism remains relevant and valuable in philosophical inquiry.

History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps

HoP 431 - Calvin Normore on Scholasticism

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Scholasticism as a Way of Doing Philosophy

The Development of Logic in Scholasticism

Legacy and Relevance of Scholasticism

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