The main task of theology is the interpretation of Scripture, the proof of the existence of God and the formulation of the dogmas of the Church. At the same time, logic developed, the concepts of personality and a debate about the priority of the general and the individual were developed.
In the philosophy of the Middle Ages , two main stages of its formation are distinguished - patristics and scholasticism. The patristic period covers the 4th-8th centuries, and the scholastics - the 6th-15th centuries.
What is meant by terms such as patristic and scholastic? What is the difference? To draw a clear line between them is quite difficult.
Patristics is a system of philosophical and theoretical views of religious thinkers, “fathers” of the church. Translated from Latin, "pater" - "father". This is the direction of
Christian philosophy, the main purpose of which is the approval, justification and confirmation of the power of faith. The patristic period is divided into two main areas: Greek and Roman. Each of them has its own characteristics and development time.
The most characteristic of patristics is the development of the dogma of Christianity and philosophy, the development of which was influenced by the ideas of Plato. Medieval patristics highlights such problems: the relationship of reason and faith, the essence of God, human freedom, etc.
In the Middle Ages, various schools and universities began to be created. The latter had four faculties: philosophical, theological, medical and legal. The main role in their formation was played by representatives of theology. It was around the universities that scholasticism concentrated.
Scholasticism is a philosophical trend of the Middle Ages that synthesized Christian theology and logic of Aristotle. The main task of this direction was to justify faith through reason. In other words, the rational justification of
faith in God and Christian teaching.
Scholasticism was intended to teach the basic dogmas and principles of Christianity. These dogmas find their origins in patristicism. Patristics and scholasticism are two teachings that complement and root each other. They were based on the same values, principles, one symbolism. According to philosophers, scholasticism continues in patristics. At the same time, a new direction of philosophy was associated with Platonism and the teachings of Aristotle.
One of the central figures of the scholasticism was Thomas Aquinas. He opposed the prevailing theology in the thesis on the opposition of nature and spirit. According to Thomas, the whole person must be studied - in the unity of body and soul.
Turning to the primary sources, we can say that man is a step in the ladder of the universe. It cannot be divided into body and soul. It must be perceived as one and the creation of God. Patristics and scholasticism equally speak of the fact that a person independently chooses one or another life path in favor of light or darkness. A man must choose good himself, renouncing all that is evil and evil.
The philosophical views of patristics and scholasticism are an important part of general philosophy. These directions illuminate the ideas of Christianity in medieval Europe. This period of history is marked by the establishment of a connection between philosophy, patristics and scholasticism.