The Vitality and Importance of Early Modern Aristotelianism

Abstract

Abstract In 1255, after some initial reservations, the arts faculty of the University of Paris instituted a new course of study based on the works of Aristotle. Despite the reluctance of some clerics (e.g. Bonaventure) who considered the Aristotelian philosophy anti Christian, and despite the squabbles that led to the Condemnations of 1270 and 1277, the philosophy of Aristotle remained the educational mainstay at the University of Paris until the end of the seventeenth century. That the Aristotelian philosophy dominated This article stands firmly on foundations laid by P. 0. Kristcllcr, J. H. Randall, and Charles Schmitt. I have benefited especially from the latter’s article ‘Towards a Reasse”5ment of Renaissance Aristotclianism’, History of Science, II (1973), 159 93, in which he criticizes the commonly accepted view or scholastic philosophy as a monolithic whole. The writings and advice or Roger Ariew have also been a great help in my first attempt at finding an appropriate way into this vast topic. I would like to thank L. W. B. Brockliss, Daniel Garber, Sarah Hutton, P. 0. Kristeller, Jane Newman, Lex Newman, and Tom Sorel! for helpful comments on earlier drafts of this paper.