Which ancient and medieval writers were considered authorities by Scholastic thinkers?

Scholastic thinkers, known as Schoolmen, held a deep respect for a specific group of ancient and medieval writers whom they collectively referred to as "authorities". While individual Scholastics often held differing interpretations of these figures, they generally relied upon the following key authorities:12

• The Church Fathers: These early Christian theologians were foundational to Scholastic thought.12
• Aristotle: Often called "The Philosopher," his works on logic, science, and metaphysics became central to the university curriculum, particularly from the 13th century onward.34
• Plato: His philosophical influence, often mediated through other traditions, remained a significant component of medieval thought.123
• Boethius: A Roman philosopher whose work provided a bridge between classical thought and Christian theology.123
• Pseudo-Dionysius: A mystical writer whose works were highly influential in the development of Western mysticism and Scholastic theology.123
• Avicenna: An Islamic philosopher whose writings were studied and respected by the Schoolmen.12

Additionally, thinkers such as Augustine exerted a profound and persistent influence, particularly within the Franciscan school, while the works of Peter Lombard served as a fundamental teaching text in theology alongside the Bible.35