1. Introduction

Abstract

For many, Thomas Aquinas is almost a synonym for medieval philosophy, locating it in Western Europe and principally from the early 13th to the mid-14th century. Medieval philosophy is also seen as a monolithic Church doctrine. The Introduction attempts to clarify three common misconceptions concerning medieval philosophy. First, medieval philosophy was practised all over the world. Second, considering the continuity of traditions, medieval philosophy can be seen to stretch from ad 200 to 1700. Finally, medieval philosophy is not theology in disguise. The four main branches of medieval philosophy are Latin Christian philosophy, as practised throughout Western Europe; Greek Christian philosophy, as developed in the Byzantine Empire; Arabic philosophy; and Jewish philosophy.