West European Studies Essay Example for Free

West European Studies Essay1. The three-fold divisions of learning by Augustine were ? Physical- he related it to the working of nature, and posited that there was a cause to totally things- the article of faith of cause-effect. ? Education- the acquisition of knowledge followed some rules, i. e. the methodology of science and procedures used in scientific studies and systematic experi workforcetations ? Practice- Augustine argued that smell had some meaning and an end, which people sought in their daily lives by actions and practicing of ideologies and principles. 2. The seven liberal arts outlined by Martianus Capella werea) The Trivium which comprised of Grammar Rhetoric Logic/dialectic b) The Quadrivium which included Arithmetic Geometry Music uranology Grammar taught one how to write words and understand their meaning. Music signified the cardinal virtues of temperance, prudence, fortitude and justice. Logic was necessary to help individuals distinguish right from wron g so as to avoid evil deeds. Rhetoric was the art of effective use of language to speak eloquently. Geometry was useful in measuring space, distance much(prenominal) as fields and cities.Arithmetic was significant as it aided in assigning numerical values- counting objects. Lastly, astronomy was used to foretell luck or misfortune- it was an inseparable art in predicting the future. 3. According to St. Augustine, pagan learning was reliant on logic and skeptical criticism of scripture. It appealed to observable evidence and to those things that are physically provable. St. Augustine taught that Christians should discard those elements, which undermined their faith by challenging beliefs that could not be substantiated with physical evidence, e. g. the existence of God.By appealing to logic, therefore, pagan learning dismissed the spiritual aspect of life to which Christianity was intimately connected. Nonetheless, he recognized the significant of logic and reason in a Christians life. He observed that the scripture was given by Gods inspiration for correction and reproof of character. Thus, to understand its teachings, believers ought to examine its contents critically to make correct interpretations. At the same time, logic reflected the sensible and orderliness of Gods nature, represented by the order he perfected in His creation.Similarly, logical reasoning makes a significant contribution to the parliamentary procedure of life in the world. Without logic, there would be chaos and conflicts among men. Reason appeals to the common sense that compels people to observe basic rules and obligations. 4. Hugh of St. Victor outlined four types of doctrine in his quaternary of the arts. The first three are concerned with hu humanity character, as they shape people into better mortal beings. They include ? Truth, which is derived from theoretical philosophy- through abstract reasoning and contemplations that leads to insights about acceptable principlesPractical philosophy which leads to good virtues that guides human conduct ? Mechanical philosophy which reliefs men from physical burdens ? Logic enables men to make clear and realistic conclusions concerning the preceding three philosophies. 5. The seven mechanical arts as defined by Hugh of St. Victor are ? Fabric- it is necessary as man is essentially naked, lacking in the fur that is endowed to wild animals ? Armaments- necessitated due to mans innate weakness for his lack of defensive mechanisms much(prenominal) as the teeth and claws of animals.Commerce- it is necessary to reconcile the worlds nations that have become divided by selfish aspirations. It leads to international relations and diplomacy that calms wars, enhances smooth negotiations and achieves the greatest good of individual possessions. Agriculture- it is a compensation of hard labor, what Hugh called the brows sweat that goes back to Adams time, when the ground was cursed such that he had to sweat for a living. Huntin g was a skill necessary to help man get food by preying on wild animalsTheatrics- the sooth the spirit through laughter, and by providing relaxation and refreshment to a tired spirit probably after a days work. 6. The four senses of scripture of St. Gregory the undischarged are literal sense, allegorical sense, moral/tropological sense and the anagogical sense. a) Literal sense- it reveals the plain facts about events or things. For instance, the creation of Adam as explained in the admit of Genesis is a literal understanding of scripture, since the events happened just the way they are stated.b) Allegorical sense- it goes beyond what is plainly stated, to arrive at a meaning that is two metaphorical and symbolic. For instance, the creation of Eve from Adams rib symbolizes the subordinate role that a woman plays in her relation to man. This is exemplified in the family unit where the man is the head of the household. Similarly, it symbolizes the significance of marriage, since a woman, with her one rib taken from Adam, is considered incomplete. Consequently, she must seek completeness by uniting with her source- Adam/man.c) Moral sense- it derives from the Greek word trepein, which message to turn. In scriptural interpretation, it refers to the act of turning ideas, principles and divine teachings into deeds. It is reflected in an individuals life through good deeds to all people. In the scripture, the parables of delivery boy were reflections on the moral conduct of men. For instance, the parable about the Good Samaritan represents real life situations where Christians are called upon to help those in need, and not to be like the isolated Levite who walked past the robbed man on his way to Jericho.d) Anagogical sense- it refers to the interpretation of scripture teaching within the wider context of eternity. It attaches a universal meaning to divine concepts, which transcends all boundaries of space and time. For instance, the reference to the Lords f east in Mathew 22 signifies the eternal happiness to be enjoyed by the save in heaven. Likewise, the new capital of Israel refers to Gods City, the kingdom that shall reign forever after the second coming.