What was Latin Averroism, and why was it condemned in 1270?

Latin Averroism refers to the teachings of 13th-century Western philosophers who interpreted Aristotle through the lens of the Muslim philosopher Averroës. Led by figures such as Siger de Brabant, these thinkers asserted the autonomy of philosophy as a self-sufficient discipline, often prioritizing rational demonstration over religious doctrine.123

Their teachings were condemned in 1270 by the bishop of Paris, Étienne Tempier, primarily because they challenged fundamental Christian tenets. Key points of contention included:34

• The "Double Truth" Theory: Averroists were accused of maintaining that reason and faith could lead to contradictory, yet equally valid, truths.42
• Denial of Individual Immortality: They argued there was only one "intellective soul" for all of humanity, which precluded individual personality and immortality.13
• Determinism: Their reliance on Aristotelianism led to a form of psychological determinism that traditionalists believed destroyed moral responsibility, the concept of free will, and faith in Providence.14

While St. Thomas Aquinas also utilized Aristotelian philosophy, he strongly opposed the Averroists, arguing that reason and faith were ultimately compatible.4