Medieval Philosophy: Christianity’s Impact on Greek Thought
Medieval Philosophy: Christianity’s Influence
Christianity’s Impact on Greek Thought
Christianity introduced to medieval philosophy the concept of all men being equal and free. This differed greatly from Greek thought.
Idea Creation
The Christian belief that God created heaven and earth ex nihilo (from nothing) contrasted sharply with the Greek view. The Greeks did not contemplate the creation of the world in the same way. Philosophically, the concept of creation from nothing was a radical departure.
God and Man
The Greek gods were understood to be in relationship with the cosmos. Christianity, however, positioned God within a narrative, directly involved in human affairs. God’s incarnation—becoming man in a specific time and place—was a pivotal concept.
Grigoras criticized the seemingly absurd idea of God becoming man and dying.
Truth
Greek philosophy emphasized the limits of human knowledge. Christianity, however, presented truth as revealed through the Old Testament and Christ. This truth was considered superior to philosophical doctrines. The Greeks were accustomed to multiple philosophical schools, while Christianity asserted a singular truth.
God
Christians championed the concept of one God (monotheism), contrasting with the Greek pantheon. The Christian God is omnipotent, performing miracles. The Greeks, by contrast, did not generally believe in miracles, viewing events as following natural laws.
Man
In Christianity, man is created in God’s image, possessing an immortal soul and destined for bodily resurrection. Sin is a consequence of human free will and evil. The Greeks did not share this concept of bodily resurrection, and their moral philosophy was more intellectualist; sin was often equated with ignorance.
The Rise of Patristic Literature
Many began to express their faith through writing, forming groups of authors. This movement is known as Patristica. Three main perspectives emerged:
- Concord: Christianity acknowledged common ground with figures like Heraclitus and Socrates, suggesting a continuity between pre-Christian thought and Christian faith. It emphasized the inherent human inclination towards religion and wisdom, arguing that the error lay in separating these two.
- Anti-Philosophical: This perspective viewed philosophy as insufficient to grasp the truths of faith. Christianity offered new truths that challenged and transcended philosophical reasoning.
- Gnosticism: This religious perspective emphasized intellectual understanding as the path to salvation, focusing on divine knowledge.
Pre-Scholastic Philosophy (Late 9th-Early 5th Centuries)
This era, sometimes called the Dark Ages, was a period of transition. There was limited philosophical creativity as Europe faced barbarian invasions. The preservation of ancient philosophy was a significant achievement of this period. The Carolingian Renaissance (around 800 AD) briefly revived intellectual life.
High Scholasticism (11th-12th Centuries)
11th Century
St. Anselm sought to understand and explain religious concepts through reason. He is considered a major medieval philosopher and a founder of scholasticism, drawing on Patristic, Augustinian, and Neoplatonic traditions. His work focused on demonstrating God’s existence and attributes.
12th Century
Scholastic thought continued to develop. Schools and universities became important intellectual centers. The schools of Chartres (Platonic) and Paris (later a major center of scholastic learning) were particularly influential. The question of universals was debated, with realism being the dominant view. Jewish and Arab influences, including Aristotelian thought, became increasingly significant. This led to some heterodox theological developments and a flourishing of mysticism.
Eastern Philosophy
Until the 12th century, Platonic philosophy dominated the East. Aristotle’s works were known only fragmentarily. The Muslim world, however, had a more complete understanding of Aristotle, contributing to advancements in alchemy, astronomy, and zoology, and influencing religious and metaphysical speculation.
Great Scholasticism (13th-Early 14th Centuries)
Major scholastic systems emerged. Universities became significant intellectual centers, attracting scholars and students. The universities of Paris and Oxford emphasized empirical and scientific approaches, paving the way for nominalism and modern empiricism. Other universities, such as Cambridge, Padua, Salamanca, and Toulouse, were also founded. Mendicant orders, such as the Franciscans (Platonic-Augustinian) and Dominicans (Aristotelian), played a crucial role. Prominent figures included Bonaventure, Duns Scotus, Thomas Aquinas, Albert the Great, Meister Eckhart, and William of Ockham.
Scholastic Crisis (14th Century)
The 14th century witnessed social, political, and intellectual crises.