Essay Questions

What defines Peter Abelard’s literary work?

Abelard's literary work is demarcated by its stringent observance of pedagogic practices like the development of arguments and the definition of the used terms. For instance, Abelard is precise in how he addresses philosophical questions relating to the existence of God and man. Similarly, Abelard has dedicated his work to Christianity and theology because he is a Catholic by faith.

Why is the author so determined to highlight the relationship between Aristotle and the church?

Abelard is determined to clarify that theology is founded on Aristotle's strict adherence to logic, syllogism, and Greek philosophical thinking. According to Abelard, the Greek philosophers who the Muslims in Europe reintroduced were not heretics. Therefore, Abelard is determined to renounce controversies that the Greek philosophers are incompatible with Christianity.

According to the author, how can a full diagnosis of human beings be achieved?

The author critically examines the moral aspect of human beings, and he realizes that people intend to achieve particular results after doing particular actions. According to Abelard, a full human diagnosis can be attained by looking at the quality of people's souls. For instance, the outcome of a particular activity is linked to the intention of achieving that goal.