God and Reason in the Middle Ages
God and Reason in the Middle Ages
Between 1100 and 1600, the emphasis on reason in the learning and intellectual life of Western Europe became more pervasive and widespread than ever before in the history of human civilization. Of crucial significance was the invention of the university around 1200, within which reason was institutionalized and where it became a deeply embedded, permanent feature of Western thought and culture. It is therefore appropriate to speak of an Age of Reason in the Middle Ages, and to view it as a forerunner and herald of the Age of Reason that was to come in the seventeenth century. The object of this study is twofold: to describe how reason was manifested in the curriculum of medieval universities, especially in the subjects of logic, natural philosophy and theology; and to explain how the Middle Ages acquired an undeserved reputation as an age of superstition, barbarism, and unreason.
- This is the first time that the Middle Ages has been depicted as an Age of Reason
- Medieval theology is presented as a rationalistic enterprise
- The early modern and modern characterization of the Middle Ages as an age of superstition and unreason is shown to be untenable
Reviews & endorsements
"...Grant's book will produce some interesting future discussions. Inside and outside the classroom, it promises to be a useful catalyst for rethinking and debating a period often considered marginal." ISIS
"Grant's argument is sound and convincing. Furthermore, his work is strengthened by a keen ability for precision and detail as well as willingness to engage earlier and contemporary historians of early Christianity." American Historical Review
"...the book remains a rich resource for examples of intellectual life in medieval universities, and succeeds in its purpose in shedding light on the medieval origins of modern science." Sixteenth Century Journal
"Grant's subversive history is persuasive, enlightening, and copiously documented." - Brian J. Shanley, O.P., The Catholic University of America
Product details
July 2001Hardback
9780521802796
408 pages
229 × 152 × 10 mm
0.77kg
2 b/w illus.
Available
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Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. The emergence of a transformed Europe in the twelfth century
- 2. Reason asserts itself: the challenge to authority in the Early Middle Ages to 1200
- 3. Reason takes hold: Aristotle and the Medieval University
- 4. Reason in action: logic in the Faculty of Arts
- 5. Reason in action: natural philosophy in the Faculty of Arts
- 6. Reason in action: theology in the Faculty of Arts
- 7. The assault on the Middle Ages
- Conclusion: the culture and spirit of 'poking around'.
