Who were the Latin Averroists?

Latin Averroists were Western Christian philosophers during the later Middle Ages and the Renaissance who drew inspiration from the Aristotle commentaries of the Muslim philosopher Averroës.1

These thinkers, primarily masters in the faculty of arts at Paris, sought to prioritize philosophy and reason over faith, often disregarding potential conflicts with Christian doctrine. Key figures included:12

• Siger de Brabant: The leader of the group in Paris, who taught Aristotelian doctrines such as the eternity of the world and the oneness of the intellect.2
• John of Jandun: A prominent representative in Paris.1
• Taddeo of Parma and Angelo of Arezzo: Notable representatives in Italy.1

The Latin Averroists were frequently accused by traditionalist theologians of upholding a "double truth," maintaining that reason could lead to conclusions contradicting faith. Their teachings—which included psychological determinism and the denial of individual immortality—faced significant opposition, leading to major ecclesiastical condemnations in 1277.21