The tension between philosophy and (Christian) faith according to Siger De Brabant and its influence on issues of intellect, soul, and world
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63356/sin.2026.013Keywords:
Siger de Brabant, philosophy and religion, the soul, intelect and the world according to SigerAbstract
This article examines a highly contentious problem dinstinctive of medieval thought: the convergence of Aristotelian-Averroist philosophy with Christian theology in the thirteenth century, as well as the shock and the conflict that arose between them in the thougt of Siger de Brabant, the foremost representative of Averroist philosophy in the Latin world, commonly known as Latin Averroism. It examines the tension between philosophers, advocates of reason and demonstration, and theologians, advocates of revelation and faith, as reflected in Siger of Brabant’s philosophy. His philosophy underwent this tension and fluctuating opinions due to the prohibitions and condemnations of some of his philosophical views, beginning with the decree of excommunication in 1270 CE. He also faced threats from theologians and the Church, and criticisms, particularly from Thomas Aquinas. This led to a lack of consensus among scholars regarding Siger’s position on the relationship between philosophy and religion. Furthermore, the article explores the impact of this tension on questions of the mind, the soul, and the world.
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