Lesson 6 - Peter Abelard

Question 1

What is Abelard important for?

Answer 1

Medieval debate over the existence and nature of universals

Question 2

What were the 3 positions taken on the debate over universals?

Answer 2

1. ) Realism: universals have real, objective, independent existence (Modalism - unity > distinction ; Plato, Aristotle, William of Champeaux)
2. ) Nominalism : universals have no real existence; they are merely names we apply (distinction of 3 persons, but no unity)
3. ) Conceptualism: universals exist but only as concepts in the human mind (Abelard)

Question 3

What was Abelard’s relationship between philosophy and theology?

Answer 3

Movement toward theological rationalism (theology becoming subject to human reason)