scholasticism
UK[skəˈlastɪsɪzəm]US[skəˈlæstəˌsɪzəm]
n
The system of theology and philosophy taught in medieval European universities, based on Aristotelian logic and the writings of the early Church Fathers.
n
Narrow-minded insistence on traditional doctrine and forms.
Morpheme Breakdown
scholast
ic
ism
scholast
of the school
ic
adjective suffix
ism
system or doctrine
Etymology
The term 'scholasticism' originates from the Latin 'scholasticus', meaning 'of a school', which itself derives from the Greek 'scholē', signifying 'leisure'—the time free from work dedicated to learning and philosophical discussion. In medieval Europe, this adjective evolved to denote the specific method of learning and disputation practiced in the cathedral schools and universities, characterized by rigorous logical analysis of theological and philosophical texts. The addition of the suffix '-ism' formalized this method into the noun naming the dominant intellectual system of the Middle Ages, which sought to reconcile classical philosophy, particularly Aristotle, with Christian revelation. Over time, its association with intricate, sometimes rigid, academic debate led to a secondary meaning implying pedantic adherence to traditional forms.
Analysis
Structure: scholast (of the school) + ic (adjective suffix) + ism (system or doctrine)
scholast from Latin 'scholasticus' (of a school), from Greek 'scholastikos' (studious), from 'scholē' (leisure, school); ic a suffix forming adjectives; ism a suffix forming nouns denoting a system, principle, or ideological movement.
Examples
Thomas Aquinas is considered one of the greatest figures of medieval scholasticism.
The university's curriculum was deeply rooted in the traditions of scholasticism.
His argument was dismissed as mere scholasticism, more concerned with theoretical distinctions than practical reality.