Method
Scholastic Disputation
Classification
- Method family
- dialogical
- Domains
- Metaphysics , Philosophy of Religion
Overview
Scholastic disputation examines a stated question by presenting objections, authorities, a reasoned determination, and replies to the objections.
Purpose. The method makes disagreement explicit and answerable while testing a conclusion against the strongest available counterarguments. It is a structured practice of inquiry, not a synonym for Scholasticism as a tradition.
Characteristic operations
- State the question: Formulate a precise issue that admits opposed answers.
- Present objections: Give serious arguments against the position to be defended.
- Set out relevant authority: Record a contrary consideration from an accepted text or thinker where appropriate.
- Determine the question: Offer the central argument for the answer.
- Reply in order: Return to each objection and show why it does not overturn the determination.
Used by traditions
Applied to questions
References
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Literary Forms of Medieval Philosophy, §2.6 'Disputation, Quaestio, Quodlibetal Question'
- Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae I, q. 2, a. 3
- Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae I, q. 85, a. 1–2 (whether and how the intellect knows universals, argued in the objection–determination–reply form of the disputed question)