summulae

compendia

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July 14, 2026

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In the 13th and 14th centuries, "summulae" were short, summary works that surveyed the entire field of logic. These compendia, often called "little summaries," were produced by scholars known as "summulists." Notable figures include Peter of Spain, whose Summulae logicales served as a university textbook, and William of Ockham, author of Summa logicae. These works aimed to condense complex logical concepts into accessible formats, contributing significantly to the development of medieval logic.1

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history of logic
Developments in the 13th and early 14th centuries
…compendia are often called “summulae” (“little summaries”), and their authors “summulists.” Among the most important of the summulists are: (1) Peter of Spain (also known as Petrus Hispanus; later Pope John XXI), who wrote a Tractatus more commonly known as Summulae logicales (“Little Summaries of Logic”) probably in the…
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…compendia are often called “summulae” (“little summaries”), and their authors “summulists.” Among the most important of the summulists are: (1) Peter of Spain (also known as Petrus Hispanus; later Pope John XXI), who wrote a Tractatus more commonly known as Summulae logicales (“Little Summaries of Logic”) probably in the…
Read More