Platonic and Aristotelian Influence in Medieval Philosophy

1. Plato

1.1. Universals: Extreme Realism: Universals exist in a separate realm.

1.1.1. St. Augustine

1.1.2. John Scotus Erigena

1.1.3. St. Anselm

1.1.4. Advantages: Doctine of original sin is intelligible. Doctrine of the Trinity may require Realism.

1.1.5. Disadvantages: May lead to pantheism, as J.S. Erigena was accused.

2. Boethius

3. Faith and Reason

3.1. Knowledge through Faith

3.2. Knowledge through Reason (Naturalism)

3.3. Knowledge through Both (Natural Theology)

4. Aristotle

4.1. Universals: Immanent in particulars. He is between the nominalist and the realist position, having no real classification. Not quite a nominalist.

4.1.1. William of Ockham

4.1.2. St. Thomas Aquinas

4.1.3. Peter Abelard