Oration on the Dignity of Man

Those who count themselves among the philosophical schools of Thomas Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274), the influential Dominican friar and father of Thomism. or Scotus John Duns Scotus (c. 1266–1308), a Franciscan philosopher known for the complexity of his thought., and who currently hold much influence, may discuss their doctrine in the few questions proposed for debate. As for myself, I have decided to swear loyalty to no one, and having traveled the paths of all the teachers of philosophy, to investigate everything and study every school of thought.

Since it is necessary to touch upon all doctrines—so that it does not appear as though I am defending one while neglecting the rest—the proposed questions as a whole had to be numerous, even if very little were said about each of them. I should not be blamed if I am a guest wherever fate may cast me. It was noted by all the ancients that when studying various writings, one should not pass over anything that might lead to careful reflection; this was especially noted by Aristotle, whom Plato therefore called the “reader.” original: anagnostes It is clear that it is the mark of a narrow mind to limit oneself to the Portico or the Academy. Portico and Academy: Refers to the Stoic school (which met at the Stoa Poikile, or "Painted Porch") and the Platonic school (the Academy).

If you do not know all the schools intimately, you will not be able to distinguish your own from among them. I will add that every school has its own unique character. Indeed, if we begin with our own schools, which philosophy has finally reached: in John Scotus there is something fresh and contentious; in Thomas, something solid and consistent; in Aegidius Giles of Rome (c. 1243–1316), a student of Thomas Aquinas known for his precision., something pure and exact; in Francis Francis of Mayrone (c. 1280–1328), a student of Scotus known for his sharp wit., something sharp and clever; in Albert Albertus Magnus (c. 1200–1280), the teacher of Aquinas, renowned for his vast knowledge of the natural world., something ancient, all-encompassing, and grand; and in Henry Henry of Ghent (c. 1217–1293), a philosopher known for his majestic and authoritative style., as it seems to me, there is always something sublime and worthy of respect. Among the Arabs: in Averroes there is something firm and unshakable; in Avempace and Al-Farabi, something foundational and deliberate; in Avicenna, something divine and Platonic. Among the Greeks in general, philosophy is pure and clear; in Simplicius— Simplicius of Cilicia (c. 490–560 AD), one of the last great Neoplatonists and a major commentator on Aristotle.