HoP 430 - I’ll Teach You Differences - British Scholasticism
Oct 15, 2023
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The podcast explores the evolution of Aristotelian philosophy in Britain from the late 15th to the late 16th century. It discusses the impact of grammar schools, Protestantism, and literacy on British scholasticism. Topics include the use of Latin in logical treatises, propositions and moral reasoning in British scholasticism, and the views on scholastic philosophy and the rise of humanist rhetoric. The chapter also highlights John Mair's involvement in public matters and introduces John Case as a key figure in reviving scholasticism in the late Tudor period.
In response to humanism and Protestant polemics, scholasticism in Britain adapted and innovated, with the emergence of the tutorial system and evolution of the teaching curriculum.
Scholastics in Britain during the late medieval and early modern periods produced highly technical treatises on logic, engaged in moral reasoning on a case-by-case basis, and explored the implications of conditional statements and theological beliefs.
Deep dives
Changes to institutions of higher education
During the Renaissance and Reformation, changes started occurring in institutions of higher education. Grammar schools emerged as alternative places of study, literacy became more widespread, and other institutions like the inns of court in London became important centers of education.
Evolution of teaching methods and curriculum
In response to the impact of humanism and Protestant polemics, scholasticism in Britain adapted and innovated. The tutorial system emerged, where students received instruction directly from masters, and they even lived with their tutors. The teaching curriculum also evolved, with scholastic philosophers refining and innovating within the established tradition, especially in the late 15th and early 16th centuries.
The resilience of scholasticism and its applied logic
Despite criticism and challenges, scholasticism continued to thrive in Britain in the late medieval and early modern periods. Philosophers like John Mayer and his colleagues produced treatises on logic, refining and innovating within the discipline. The logical treatises were written in highly technical Latin, focusing on pure logical form. Scholastics engaged in moral reasoning on a case-by-case basis and explored the implications of conditional statements and theological beliefs.