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Boundaries of Science: Medieval Condemnations of Philosophy as Heresy

Objective

‘Boundaries of Science: Medieval Condemnations of Philosophy as Heresy’ addresses the limits we place on scientific investigation, according to our world view and what new ideas we are prepared to accept. It focuses on a critical example during the foundation of modern science in the 13th/14th centuries, when Aristotelian natural philosophy (books by Aristotle and his Muslim interpreters) entered Europe. This alien thinking caused a scientific revolution, but sparked controversy where theories denied Christian doctrines central to society’s outlook. Church and university authorities opposing dangerous theories condemned them, and investigated scholars. This project builds on my surprising discovery that some medieval scholastics labelled theories heretical, but in fact the theories did not fit heresy’s medieval definition. Curiously, some who used the term held risky positions. My objective is to determine whether scholastics considered dangerous theories heretical. Preliminary findings indicate some thought they should be classed as such; while others used the term for protection when holding risky views. Both groups acted strategically, to condemn or promote theories. I believe we witness here a negotiation process of where the boundary to permitted science should be drawn. My approach is new: historiography on the subject relies on scarce documentary evidence; instead I examine a rich source novel for this question, cases of scholastics calling theories heretical in philosophical/theological writings, and I analyse the context to determine their motivation. In redefining the philosophy/heresy relationship, I will give robust new perspective to the reception history and faith/reason problem. This innovative, multidisciplinary project will make a fact-based contribution to discussion of boundaries we place on scientific thinking, and will impact on how scholars and European society perceive the origins and development of our scientific heritage.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)

Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2015

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Coordinator

THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 183 454,80
Address
WELLINGTON SQUARE UNIVERSITY OFFICES
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom

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Region
South East (England) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Oxfordshire
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 183 454,80
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