From Sapientes antiqui at Lincoln to the New Sapientes moderni at Paris c. 1260–1280: Roger Bacon’s Two Circles of Scholars

Abstract

This paper investigates ‘Roger Bacon’s two Circles of Scholars.’ First, it looks at the Sapientes Antiqui. These are the older wise scholars that Bacon claims to have seen (Nam vidimus). He associates these scholars with Oxford and Lincoln. The main texts for Bacon’s chronology are re-examined. The claim is made that Bacon’s knowledge of languages, especially Greek, owes much to Grosseteste’s inspired language project. Bacon’s knowledge of Perspectiva was achieved at Oxford. It is argued that while Bacon most likely returned from Paris to Oxford c. 1248, he remained there for a short period. He is in Paris in 1251 and again 1253–1256. Secondly this chapter examines Bacon’s texts in regard to his relationship with Cardinal Guy le Gros de Folque, Pope Clement IV, 1265–1268, and with the Sapientes moderni at Paris. Thirdly, a re-examination of the application of mathematics to nature, history, church and state is outlined. Emphasis is placed on the way in which science is morally (Moraliter) interpreted by Bacon in Opus maius, Parts IV–VII. Lastly, Bacon’s concern with mathematics is placed in the context of the world situation in the mid-thirteenth century. Influenced by concerns with the East, Bacon’s interest in the applications of mathematics is practical. His interest in translators is professionally serious. He was one of the first at Paris c. 1267 to notice the deficiencies of Moerbecke’s early attempts at translating Aristotle’s Meteorology. Bacon must be seen as one of the early Franciscan critics of the Dominican tradition and as one who had a close connection with the young John Pecham.