Scholarly Community at the Early University of Paris: Theologians, Education and Society, 1215-1248

by Spencer E. Young

Overview

This book explores the ways in which theologians at the early University of Paris promoted the development of this new centre of education into a prominent institution within late medieval society. Drawing upon a range of evidence, including many theological texts available only in manuscripts, Spencer E. Young uncovers a vibrant intellectual community engaged in debates on such issues as the viability of Aristotle's natural philosophy for Christian theology, the implications of the popular framework of the seven deadly sins for spiritual and academic life, the social and religious obligations of educated masters, and poor relief. Integrating the intellectual and institutional histories of the Faculty of Theology, Young demonstrates the historical significance of these discussions for both the university and the thirteenth-century church. He also reveals the critical role played by many of the early university's lesser-known members in one of the most transformative periods in the history of higher education.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781107031043
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	04/24/2014
Series:	Cambridge Studies in Medieval Life and Thought: Fourth Series , #94
Pages:	269
Product dimensions:	6.22(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.79(d)

About the Author

Spencer E. Young is a Research Associate with the ARC Centre of Excellence for the History of Emotions at the University of Western Australia. He is the editor of Crossing Boundaries at Medieval Universities (2011).

Table of Contents

Introduction: lecturers, debaters, preachers; 1. Constructing a Faculty of Theology; 2. The Parens scientiarum generation: an inside look; 3. The great debater: the influence of William of Auxerre; 4. Laundering money and souls: theologians and almsgiving at the early University; 5. From the desert to the University: Parisian theologians and the seven deadly sins; Conclusion; Appendix; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"This book represents an original and sophisticated look at the interplay between learned individuals and their academic environment at an important moment in the history of the university. An appendix supplies a biographical register of known and possible Parisian masters of theology between 1215 and 1248."
Alex J. Novikoff, American Historical Review

'Young's work is of great benefit for scholars who research the time period under consideration, as well as for scholars of later Parisian theologians such as Albert, Aquinas, and Bonaventure, since the study explores the proximate communal context in which these thinkers were formed. … Young's study is a significant resource.' Matthew R. McWhorter, Nova et vetera

'This book manages to expand in several fascinating directions while fusing the intellectual and institutional histories of the early university of Paris in an original and convincing way… ' Antonia Fitzpatrick, Speculum

From the Publisher