Ratio aut auctores? Reason, Authority and the Anagogic Ascent in the Twelfth Century
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 3412883 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jack Cunningham, Jack P Cunningham (Bishop Grosseteste University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue | 7 |
| Pages | 830 |
| Publication date | 2024-07-09 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Religions (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444 |
| Publisher | MDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT) |
| DOI | 10.3390/rel15070830 |
| OpenAlex | W4400445272 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 23 |
In the twelfth century, certain thinkers in the north of Europe were exalting human reason in a manner that had not been seen since the time of the ancient philosophers. Adelard of Bath, William of Conches, Thierry of Chartres and Peter Abelard all championed ratio in a way that seemed to challenge the hegemony of learning that rested securely with the authority of scripture, the testament of the Fathers and the canons of the established councils. In so doing, it represented a significantly different approach from the firmly established 'authors' (auctores) as certain scholars pursued their learning, and indeed even divine ascent, via other avenues. Even the visionary Hildegard von Bingen set enormous stock in rationality. This paper will discuss the use of reason for the anagogic ascent to the divine in order to trace its roots to a Platonic understanding of the universe in tandem with a highly positive anthropology that allowed for a bold reassessment of human capabilities, as well as a new appreciation of nature
Byzantine Studies and History · Mathematics · Medicine · Medieval History and Crusades · Medieval Literature and History · Philosophy
| Highly cited | No |
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