Neo-scholasticism

A depiction of scholastic teaching methods.

Neo-scholasticism is a revival and development of scholasticism, the medieval school of philosophy that employed a critical method of philosophical analysis predicated upon a Latin Catholic theistic curriculum. It was prominent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly within the Catholic Church.

Historical Background

Neo-scholasticism emerged as a response to the challenges posed by modern philosophical movements such as rationalism, empiricism, and positivism. It sought to reaffirm the relevance of scholastic thought, particularly the works of Thomas Aquinas, in addressing contemporary philosophical and theological issues.

19th Century Revival

The revival of scholasticism began in the early 19th century, largely as a reaction against the perceived excesses of the Enlightenment and the French Revolution. The movement gained momentum with the publication of Pope Leo XIII's encyclical Aeterni Patris in 1879, which called for a return to the teachings of Aquinas as a foundation for Catholic education and philosophy.

Philosophical Tenets

Neo-scholasticism is characterized by its adherence to the principles of Aristotelian logic and metaphysics, as interpreted by Aquinas. It emphasizes the compatibility of faith and reason, the existence of objective truth, and the importance of metaphysical inquiry.

Key Concepts

• Essence and existence: Neo-scholastics maintain a distinction between the essence of a thing (what it is) and its existence (that it is), a central tenet of Thomistic metaphysics.
• Analogy of being: This concept refers to the way in which different beings can be said to exist in relation to God, who is the ultimate source of all being.
• Natural law: Neo-scholasticism upholds the idea that moral principles are grounded in the nature of human beings and can be discerned through reason.

Influence and Legacy

Neo-scholasticism had a significant impact on Catholic education, particularly in seminaries and universities. It provided a framework for engaging with modern philosophical and scientific developments while maintaining a commitment to traditional Catholic doctrine.

Criticism and Decline

Despite its initial success, neo-scholasticism faced criticism for its perceived rigidity and lack of engagement with contemporary philosophical trends. By the mid-20th century, it began to decline in influence, giving way to new movements such as existentialism and phenomenology.

Related pages

• Scholasticism
• Thomas Aquinas
• Aeterni Patris
• Catholic Church
• Metaphysics