scholastical

Scholastic refers to the philosophical and theological tradition that dominated the medieval period in Europe. The term is derived from the Latin word "schola," meaning "school," and is often used to describe the intellectual and educational systems of this time.

Scholasticism emerged in the 11th century, particularly in the schools of Paris and Oxford, and became a dominant force in intellectual and theological discourse. It was characterized by a focus on reason, dialectics, and the use of Aristotelian philosophy to understand Christian theology. Scholastic thinkers, such as Thomas Aquinas, developed a complex and systematic approach to understanding the relationship between faith and reason.

Scholasticism was marked by a number of key features, including a emphasis on the use of reason and dialectics to resolve theological and philosophical disputes, a focus on the study of Aristotle's works and their application to Christian theology, and a reliance on analogy and abstraction to understand complex concepts.

The influence of scholasticism can be seen in many areas of Western thought, including the development of logic, the concept of universals, and the definition of key theological terms such as "person" and "substance." The scholastic method, which involves the use of reason and argument to resolve disputes, has also had a lasting impact on Western philosophy and theology.

Despite its widespread influence, scholasticism has also been subject to critique and criticism, particularly from the likes of Martin Luther and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who argued that it prioritized abstract reason and formalism over lived experience and practical application. Nevertheless, scholasticism remains an important and influential intellectual tradition in the history of Western thought.