The Scholastic Tradition
Tower of Learning
Why the long persistence of Aristotelian philosophy
in the medieval university system?
An assumption that perfect knowledge existed in the past – wisdom lost and forgotten
Belief that knowledge thus should be recovered from the past (and earlier = closer to true and perfect)
Not expecting “progress” of “new” knowledge
The model of scholarship led by important, powerful faculties mastering ancient texts of Theology (Scriptures) and of Law (Roman law)
Expertise is interpretation and knowledge of precedent
Emulated by other faculties – mastering Aristotle (natural philosophy) and Galen (medicine)
Students judged on ability to master texts and “disputation”
Limited availability of alternative texts and rival views
Intertwining of Scholastic Aristotelianism with Roman Catholicism – natural philosophy and theology united