Yes and No
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The work Sic et non (Yes and No) by Peter Abelard is a compilation of theological questions with citations from authorities on both sides of each issue. Abelard, a 12th-century French theologian and philosopher, used this method to teach students how to reconcile apparent contradictions and reach correct solutions through logical reasoning and careful analysis of language.12
Abelard's approach was innovative, employing dialectics to explore complex theological topics. This method contributed to the development of Scholasticism. He also engaged with the philosophical problem of universals, proposing a view distinct from both nominalism and realism. His work, though influential, also drew criticism and condemnation during his lifetime.12
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Western philosophyBernard de Clairvaux and AbelardHis Sic et non (1115–17; Yes and No) cites the best authorities on both sides of theological questions in order to reach their correct solution. In philosophy his main interest was logic. On the question of universals, he agreed with neither the nominalists nor the realists of his day (see…
Read MoreHis Sic et non (1115–17; Yes and No) cites the best authorities on both sides of theological questions in order to reach their correct solution. In philosophy his main interest was logic. On the question of universals, he agreed with neither the nominalists nor the realists of his day (see…
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canon lawDevelopment of canon law in the West…a theological position in his Sic et non (1115–17; “Yes and No”). The same methods were applied by the first writers of glosses (commentaries or interpretations) at the law school in Bologna on the Pandecta of Justinian, which was rediscovered about 1070.
Read More…a theological position in his Sic et non (1115–17; “Yes and No”). The same methods were applied by the first writers of glosses (commentaries or interpretations) at the law school in Bologna on the Pandecta of Justinian, which was rediscovered about 1070.
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rationalismReligious rationalism…doubts by showing in his Sic et non (“Yes and No”) many contradictions among beliefs handed down as revealed truths by the Church Fathers. Aquinas, the greatest of the medieval thinkers, was a rationalist in the sense of believing that the larger part of revealed truth was intelligible to and…
Read More…doubts by showing in his Sic et non (“Yes and No”) many contradictions among beliefs handed down as revealed truths by the Church Fathers. Aquinas, the greatest of the medieval thinkers, was a rationalist in the sense of believing that the larger part of revealed truth was intelligible to and…
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Roman CatholicismThe renaissance of the 12th centuryIn his Sic et non (“Yes and No”), he compiled 158 questions, together with contradictory answers found in the works of earlier theologians. He refused to provide resolutions to the opposing points of view, forcing readers to think for themselves but also emphasizing the ultimate authority of…
Read MoreIn his Sic et non (“Yes and No”), he compiled 158 questions, together with contradictory answers found in the works of earlier theologians. He refused to provide resolutions to the opposing points of view, forcing readers to think for themselves but also emphasizing the ultimate authority of…
Read More