Abstract
In this chapter we illustrate how Neoplatonic Christian philosophies can be seen as cultures of error. We look in detail at Augustine (354-430), Eriugena (c. 800–77), and Aquinas (1225-74), and draw more briefly on the early Christian philosophy of Origen (185-254), Boethius (c. 480–524/5), and Pseudo-Dionysius (c. 5th century), and the later work of Duns Scotus (1265/6-1308). For these men philosophy was to be used with theology in the service of knowing God, with priority generally given to theology because reason was deemed incapable of the understanding that is possible in faith. The philosophical tools available to them were Platonic and Aristotelian.
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© 2009 Nigel Tubbs
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Tubbs, N. (2009). Mediaeval Christian Philosophy. In: History of Western Philosophy. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230244849_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230244849_4
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-0-230-01939-3
Online ISBN: 978-0-230-24484-9
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