Medieval Paradigms of Knowledge: Diversity of Perspectives

Abstract

Theories of cognition differ according to assumptions and parameters that medieval philosophers adopt in their specific approaches to the subject and to the object of knowledge. Their analysis of cognitive processes in subjects of distinct natures (the human being, the angel, God), and in relation to a wide range of objects of knowledge (i.a. material, immaterial, fictional or conceptual entities), gave rise to a large diversity of views and epistemological perspectives. This contribution focus on three main paradigms that feed the various and often antagonist medieval theories of cognition: the emprirism, the innatism and the intentionalism.

Keywords: Medieval Theories of Cognition (XIIIth and XIVth Century); Empirism; Innatism; Intentionalism.