Philosophy of Religion

Theologia Scholarium

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Peter Abelard

c. 1120–1140

The most mature of Abelard's theological summas, the Theologia Scholarium defends the use of reason and dialectical argument in understanding the Christian faith — particularly the doctrine of the Trinity. Drawing on Plato's Timaeus alongside Scripture and the Fathers, Abelard argues that the ancient philosophers dimly apprehended what revelation made explicit, and that faith is enriched, not endangered, by philosophical scrutiny. Condemned at the Council of Sens in 1140 largely through Bernard of Clairvaux's opposition, the work stands as the boldest attempt of its age to make theology a demonstrative science.