A History of Western Philosophy

“Catholic philosophy” refers to the thinkers from St. Augustine in the fifth century CE to the Renaissance about a thousand years later. This period coincides roughly with what is commonly called the Middle Ages; however, the Church Fathers (as early Catholic theologians were later called) and Boethius were also transitional figures who bridged the classical and medieval worlds.

Thought during this period in Western Europe was dominated by Christianity and the Catholic Church. In fact, philosophers were almost always members of the clergy and their thought was expected to reflect the worldview and beliefs of the church. The church “brought philosophic beliefs into a closer relation to social and political circumstances than they have ever had before or since” (301). The power and wealth which the church acquired were important factors in spreading its beliefs and philosophical views. After St. Augustine, Europe went through a period of about five centuries known as the Dark Ages. This period was filled with great political turmoil marked by the breakup of the Roman Empire and traditional cultural institutions.

During this period, literacy and culture were at a low point, but many people associated with the church kept knowledge alive. After Emperor Charlemagne’s attempt at reviving the empire, and especially by the eleventh century, a major cultural revival was underway.