Scholasticism:

Scholasticism is a system of philosophy that is dominant in medieval Europe. The philosophy of Scholasticism is mainly based on Aristotle and the Church. The European scholasticism is simply the learning method that has been taught by the medieval universities’ schoolmen or the scholastics.

Scholasticism stressed on a dialectical reasoning by extending the knowledge through inference in order to resolve the contradictions. Not so much emphasis was put on theology or philosophy. This school of thought has created a huge impact with its careful drawing of the distinctions and the meticulous conceptual analysis. A form of explicit disputation was taken both in the classroom and in writing. This explicit disputation is characterized by questions. The topic that is drawn from the tradition is mentioned in a question form. The responses of the opponents are also given there. A counterproposal to that is argued and then the opponent’s arguments are rebutted. The emphasis of scholasticism on the dialectical method has resulted in the application of it even in the other fields of study.

On the part of the Christian thinker, the program scholasticism has made a severe attempt at harmonization. It has helped the Christians by reconciling the theology of the Christianity with a unique classical philosophy. These philosophies were taken from Neo-Platonism and from Aristotle.

The Carolingian Renaissance has been the main source for the renewal of the learning in the West. In 787 AD the scholars of the Ireland and England were attracted by Charlemagne which was advised by Peter of Pisa and the Alcuin of York. There were many schools established in his empire in every abbey. The name scholasticism was derived from these schools. These schools remained as the study centers for the medieval learning.

The growth of early Islamic philosophy and the Jewish philosophy has coincided the early period of scholasticism. The Mutazilite school of Islam from the eighth century has made up its mind to defend its principle. The members of this school have compelled their principles against the principles of the orthodox Ashari School. On a later part even Averroism and Avicennism schools have also put forth great influence on the philosophy of scholasticism.

The subject of investigation to the scholastics would be a book by a renowned scholar. The disciples have learnt to appreciate the author and the theories by reading it critically and thoroughly. There are also other documents which would be referred with this book. The disagreements and contention would be recorded in the written form.

Questions:

• What is Scholasticism?
• What is contribution of Scholasticism to Christianity?