The 12th Century Renaissance, the University System in the High Middle Ages, and Scholastic Philosophy

"What kinds of developments occurred during the
renaissance of the twelfth century?"


During this period in history we see many interesting developments occurring.  Among them was an interest in the Latin classics.  There was much reading of Latin authors, poets, and the writing of commentaries.  As time goes on we see more of a decline in these, and an increase in the study of philosophy and the like.

Besides these developments, there is a revival of the Roman law.  This wouldn't have been all that bad since several aspects of Roman law are familiar to western thought, had it not been for the fact that during the time of Justinian the law was modified to give more jurisdiction to the emperor rather than the people.

As you can tell, the renaissance of the twelfth century held many fascinating occurrences.




"Discuss the origins and features of the university system in the High Middle Ages."




 During the High Middle Ages the rise of universities became quite popular.  Before these new universities, there had not been anything like them in past history.  Of course there had been different schools, but there was not a "university" per-say.

We are not entirely sure as to how some of the major universities of the time came about, but it seems that many had their origins rooted in the monastic and cathedral schools, as well as random meetings of professors in one place.

These universities introduced the awarding of degrees, had a more or less fixed program of study, and a distinction of graduate and undergraduate study.




"What was Scholastic philosophy?"




Scholastic philosophy was more so a switch from positive theology (confirmations from Scripture, councils, etc.) to speculative theology (faith that was in agreement with reason).  In other words, if faith and reason do not make sense together, this means that you have simply misinterpreted faith or used reason incorrectly.

As an example of a Scholastic philosopher, I would like to use St. Anselm.  St. Anselm would try to use ontological proof for the existence of God.  This means that he would use the argument that God must be the greatest conceivable being.  Something that is only in your mind is obviously less meaningful than something that is right in front of you.  Since this is the case, God must be something that is not only in your mind, but also something conceivable.   See, he is trying to combine faith and reason.


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