period of medieval philosophy in Europe covers ten centuries (from V to XV).The era of the Middle Ages in philosophy can be divided further into three successive stages: this apology, patristic, scholastic.
main feature of medieval philosophy was theocentrism, and she was based on the biblical dogma.According to many people during the Middle Ages associated with "dark time" when the European science virtually stopped in its development.However, it was actually?The article talks about the Middle Ages such as the patristic and apology, as well as their best-known representatives.
Apologetics and patristic
philosophy of the Middle Ages sometimes aptly called the "philosophy of the text", as the philosophers of that time has been engaged in the interpretation of religious scriptures.Himself period begins in the V century, and scientists have linked its beginning with the collapse of the mighty Roman Empire.Apologetics and patristic - this is just the first periods in the philosophy of the Middle Ages, following one after another.It is these periods will be discussed in this article.
Apologetics - this is the first for medieval philosophy, which arose to defend the ideas of Christianity from the prevailing at the time of pagan ideas.Apologists have seen the philosophy of the teachings of Christianity.
later patristic there - the teaching of so-called "Fathers of the Church," which outlined the key points of Christian philosophy and theology.At this time it had developed comprehensive religious-speculative system.
What does the word "apologetics"
Translated from the Greek «apologia» meaning "protection".Apologetics - is the protection of early Christianity from paganism.The most famous was the apologist Martyr Justinian.
word "apologetics" in philosophy appeared not accidentally.The fact that the works of defenders of Christianity called it apologies.Later this name became known and the whole historical period.
main tasks early apologists
protection of Christian communities, and upholding the right to profess the new religion - these are priorities set by the apology.This was expressed in the writing of papers, which were addressed in the first instance to the authorities - the emperors and governors.In his writings, apologists tried to persuade the rulers of the loyalty of fans of his new religion.Most of his works, they just sent the men of powerful, so they are read.
Under constant harassment of advocates of all efforts to achieve recognition of their religion.They treated their fans to the early Christians.However, they strongly inspire them with the idea of exclusivity and the election and encourage martyrdom.
first apologists and their relationship to philosophy
how to treat Christian apologetics and its representatives to philosophy as such?This is also a very important issue, which is to understand.In general, it is worth noting apologists belonged to philosophy and more to do with fear of some enmity.Dominant pagan philosophy they opposed God's wisdom.At the same time, the apologists do not exclude the possibility that some of the pagans "enlightens" precisely because philosophy and conversion to Christianity.
Many researchers believe that apologists in essence and not philosophy as such.Rather, rhetoricians.Discussing with educated and savvy pagans, they raised the question of Christ in order to prove that all good and reasonable in paganism was nothing more than a manifestation of Christ, the Logos.
Proceedings early apologists began to appear since the second century.Among the most famous apologists - Justin Martyr, Aristides, Tatian Assyria, Athenagoras, Quintus Tertullian and other theologians, philosophers.
Martianus Aristide from Athens
First Apology, which has reached our days, scientists dated the year 125 AD.This work Marciana Aristide from Athens, which was addressed to the Roman Emperor Hadrian (or Antoninus Pius).
The text of the apology Aristide says that the world is set in motion some extraneous force, which is God.God himself - a perfect, unattainable and real estate.This Aristide considers it wrong to read, as the true God, the various deities of the Greeks, because they are human failings, but because - perfect.It is because of misconceptions about God, according to the philosopher, there are strife and wars between people.Aristide claims that only Christians have a right view of God and calls on all nations to honor him.
Justin Martyr of Samaria
Without teachings Justin Martyr is very difficult to imagine such a period of philosophy as apologetics.This traveling philosopher and theologian who lived in 110-167 years.He died a martyr's death in Rome.
from him survive three work: "First Apology", "second apologia" and "Dialogue with Trypho the Jew."Philosophy, according to Justin, is precisely one path that leads us to God.According to the accounts of Justin, fateful for him was a meeting with an old man, with whom he started a conversation about God and the soul.The old man told Justin that all truths can be found in the Old and New Testament.It was after this conversation, according to Justin, he became a philosopher.
Assyrian Tatian and his work
medieval apologetics gave the world another outstanding sage is Assyrian Tatian, who lived approximately 120-175 years BC.He traveled a lot, and when he arrived in Rome, he became a disciple of Justin Martyr (before his death).
Tatiana main work - "We are against the Greeks", written in 166-171 year.In his work the philosopher of ancient philosophy opposes the Christian doctrine, calling it "our philosophy."To his opponents Tatian is extremely contemptuous, considering that they "weave everything they want."For this reason, according to a wise man, a lot of ancient philosophers argue with each other.Tatian denies that the Greeks invented philosophy, calling "our philosophy" itself, which is the most ancient writing.Many philosophers, according to Tatiana, simply altered the scriptures and the teachings of Moses and other similar sages.
Tertullian of Carthage
Christian apologetics is not possible without the name.The phrase "I believe because it is absurd» ("credo quia absurdum") is a retelling of a fragment of his work.Tertullian introduced into the Catholic Church Latinized set of concepts.
Tertullian harshly criticized the pagan philosophy, as opposed to her concept of pure faith, without pretensions to intellectualism.He is best known as the author of the paradoxes in which the faith is placed higher than the mind, and the illogic of any fact should only strengthen a person's faith."I believe because it is absurd ...".
St. Augustine and his teachings
brightest representative of patristic is St. Augustine, which has had a significant impact on the entire medieval philosophy.In his teaching he was able to successfully combine the postulates of neo-Platonism and Christianity.On this basis he treats evil as a lack of good.
«I believe in order to understand" - that is the main motto of the theory of knowledge of Augustine.Without abandoning rational knowledge, he claims the unconditional domination of faith.The only salvation of man, in the opinion of St. Augustine, is belonging to the Christian church.A more perfect theologian considers the human soul, and therefore insists that it pay more attention to it, while suppressing sensual pleasures and impulses.
