|
||
Name:
John Duns Scotus
Dates:
Born: c. 1266
Died: 1308
Biography:
John Duns Scotus was a Franciscan theologian and philosopher who became
known to many as the "Subtle Doctor." He wrote extensively on topics such
as the nature of will, the importance of reason and knowledge, and the
necessity of divine revelation in achieving a true understanding of the world.
His work became very influential in scholasticism, in particular because he treated theology not as the speculative matter which was common but rather as something which could be approached as a science. He also championed the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. Many other had long opposed this, arguing that if Mary had been conceived without sin, she would not have needed redemption. Scotus, however, made the case that her sinlessness was due to the grace of Christ, the first instance of his redemptive powers.
Not everyone, however, treated his work kindly. Many were annoyed by this lengthy explanations of every minor point. Others objected to him on more political grounds - he was, for example, exiled from France for refusing to support King Philip IV in his conflict with Pope Boniface VIII over the taxation of church property.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Christianity?
What are the various Christian groups, denominations, sects and heresies? What are some key concepts in Christian theology? What are some of the most important events in Christian history? All of this and more are covered in the Christianity FAQ.What is the Philosophy of Religion?
Sometimes confused with theology, the Philosophy of Religion is the philosophical study of religious beliefs, religious doctrines, religious arguments and religious history. The line between theology and the philosophy of religion isn't always sharp, but the primary difference is that theology tends to be apologetical in nature, committed to the defense of particular religious positions, whereas Philosophy of Religion is committed to the investigation of religion itself, rather than the truth of any particular religion.What is Theism?
What is the difference between monotheism and monolatry? Between pantheism and panentheism? How about between animism and shamanism? Or theism and deism? What the heck is henotheism?What is Religion?
A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear. Read more about how dictionaries, scholars and others have tried to define and explain religion.
