Scotism

Scotism, also known as Scotist philosophy, is a philosophical and theological school of thought that emerged in the late Middle Ages, particularly in the 13th and 14th centuries. It is named after its founder, John Duns Scotus (c. 1266-1308), a Scottish Franciscan friar and philosopher.

Scotism developed as a response to the thought of other prominent medieval philosophers, such as Thomas Aquinas (Thomism) and Henry of Ghent. While Scotism shares some common ground with Thomism, it also presents its own distinct positions on various philosophical and theological issues.

Key features and characteristics of Scotism include:

1. Primacy of the Will: Scotus emphasized the primacy of the will over the intellect. He argued that the will is the ultimate root of human actions and decisions, and that the intellect is subordinated to the will.
2. Voluntarism: Scotus is often associated with voluntarism, a philosophical perspective that emphasizes the role of the will in determining moral and ethical choices.
3. Univocity of Being: Scotism developed a unique theory of univocity of being, which posits that the term “being” can be applied univocally to God and creatures. This contrasts with Aquinas’s doctrine of analogy, where “being” has different meanings when applied to God and creatures.
4. Immaculate Conception: Scotus is best known for his defense of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. He argued that Mary was preserved from original sin from the moment of her conception, which became a significant doctrinal position in the Roman Catholic Church.
5. Subtle Doctor: John Duns Scotus earned the title “Subtle Doctor” due to the complexity and intricacy of his philosophical arguments. He was renowned for his logical acumen and sophisticated reasoning.
6. Influence on Later Thought: Scotism had a lasting impact on later philosophical and theological developments, particularly within the Franciscan order. It also influenced the broader landscape of medieval scholasticism.

Scotism, like Thomism, was part of the broader scholastic tradition that sought to reconcile faith and reason, engage with classical philosophy, and explore complex theological and philosophical questions. The disputes and debates between the Scotists and Thomists contributed to the rich intellectual milieu of the late Middle Ages. Today, Scotism remains an essential part of the history of Western philosophy and theology.