The philosopher and Renaissance culture
Robert Black
Philosophy as an academic discipline in schools and universities During the Renaissance, term philosophy could still denote learning general: thus Gregor Reisch named his encylopedic textbook (published first 1503 but reprinted extensively northern Europe well Italy throughout sixteenth century) Margarita philosophica , a work which served introductory compendium of from most elementary reading to theology, normally regarded pinnacle knowledge. At same time, however, focused on subjects had, course Middle Ages, come constitute discipline: logic, natural (meaning sciences), morals, metaphysics. Up twelfth century, when witnessed emergence specialized institutions higher education - now known usually called studia or generalia later Ages Renaissance philosophy, discipline, regularly formed part unitary curriculum, beginning with grammar terminating all was taught within one institution school. Such had ecclesiastical affiliation, often monastery cathedral. The best these (e.g. at Chartres) embraced remarkably catholic range William Conches, for example, great teacher who French during half left series commentaries reflecting teaching activity: (on Priscian, two different redactions) moral physics, cosmology, metaphysics, theology Boethius’ Consolation Macrobius, Plato’s Timaeus ).
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