Religious dogmas of medieval Europe prevailed in the era, especially in the early period, and dominated philosophical thought. While authority and faith were more emphasized, philosophical thought and reasoning were looked down upon and regarded as suspicious. From its initial rise philosophy and Christianity was deemed incompatible. Church held the power over scholarship, yet that did not stop some Christian thinkers to introduce elements of Greek philosophy, particularly Plato and Aristotle. At some point, the investigation of authorities led them to include such philosophies in the religious doctrine and by the end of the 15th century, a distinct Christian philosophy had evolved – beginning with Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. It was until the Renaissance, however, that the authority of the Church was no longer accepted among the rise of humanist ideals and scientific discoveries which contradicted religious beliefs. Advancements and inventions such as printing meant the Church could not control public access to information any longer.
Introduction
How do we really define Philosophy? The Greek word φιλοσοφία – Philosophia. Or as the term has been coined by modern Western language – Philosophy. The literal meaning of this word is relatively static. Derived from its Greek origin it comprises two separate words...
