The Roman Empire became Christian in 323 AD; about two centuries later, the rest
of Europe began to convert. Medieval culture blurred the line between the sacred and the secular.
While political and religious hierarchies vied for influence, liberal arts education claimed to seek
sacred truths through secular means. But when Aristotle's works were first translated from Arabic,
there began a conflict between reason and faith. Franciscan John Duns Scotus was one philosopher
who tried to bridge this gap.

The World of Philosophy series presents the questions, interests, and worldviews of the world's great
philosophers and philosophical traditions. Special emphasis on clear and relevant explanations, in
understandable language, give you a new arsenal of insights toward living a better life.

University of Notre Dame