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Intellectuals in the Middle Ages

194 pages, 1992

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999 books
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In his groundbreaking work, Jacques Le Goff examines both the creation of the medieval universities in the great cities of the European High Middle Ages and the linked origins of a new breed of scholar - one that owed its livelihoods to its teaching of academic subjects and its accumulation of knowledge. 

The author's argument is that this new breed - exemplified powerfully by Abelard - was a new category of person (neither monk nor knight) with a new method (scholastic dialectic) and a new objective (knowledge for its own sake). For the first time in Spain, France, England, and Germany, people stopped thinking and learning as the limited preserve of higher echelons within the Church or of members at the Court. The effect, he shows, was to bring about an irreversible shift in European culture.

Understanding the Middle Ages

In Intellectuals in the Middle Ages, Jacques Le Goff takes us on a journey to explore the intellectual life of the Middle Ages. He paints a vivid picture of the period, helping us to understand the mindset and lifestyle of intellectuals during this time. It's a fascinating look into a period that shaped much of our modern world.

The Role of Intellectuals

Le Goff digs into the role of intellectuals in the Middle Ages. He shows us how they were not just passive observers but active participants in shaping society. They were the thinkers, the philosophers, the teachers, and the scientists of their time. Their influence was far-reaching and continues to be felt today.

The Church and Intellectuals

The book also explores the complex relationship between the Church and intellectuals. Le Goff shows us how the Church was both a patron and a censor of intellectual activity. This tension between the Church and intellectuals is a key theme in the book, and it's fascinating to see how it played out.

The Evolution of Intellectuals

Le Goff takes a look at how the role of intellectuals evolved over the course of the Middle Ages. He shows us how they moved from being primarily religious figures to becoming more secular and involved in various fields of study. This evolution is a key part of the story of the Middle Ages.

The Legacy of Middle Ages Intellectuals

Finally, the book helps us to see the lasting legacy of intellectuals in the Middle Ages. Their ideas and discoveries laid the groundwork for many of the advances we take for granted today. By understanding their contributions, we can better appreciate the world we live in today.

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authorNassim Nicholas Taleb

Nassim Nicholas Taleb

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