Bonaventure
A world without a beginning is impossible: the infinite can neither be added to nor traversed to the end.
Life
Italian Franciscan, scholastic theologian and philosopher, minister general of his order from 1257 and then cardinal-bishop of Albano. Inspired by Augustine, he sees reason and knowledge as paths to God, provided they go with love and humility. He died in 1274 during the Council of Lyon.
Main works
Describes the stages by which the soul rises from creatures to God.
A summary of Christian theology.
Commentary on Peter Lombard's textbook, the basis of his teaching in Paris.
In his own words
« Lest he believe that reading without unction, speculation without devotion, investigation without wonder is enough for him. »
ne forte credat quod sibi sufficiat lectio sine unctione, speculatio sine devotione, investigatio sine admiratione
« Knowledge without love, understanding without humility. »
scientia sine caritate, intelligentia sine humilitate
Positions
click a row to see the evidenceEvery created thing leads the soul up to God, whose existence the mind can know with certainty.
Bonaventure, Itinerarium mentis in Deum (1259)
Certain truth requires a divine illumination of the mind; the senses alone cannot give it.
Bonaventure, Quaestiones disputatae de scientia Christi (c. 1254)
Philosophy and the arts are valuable only when they are led back to theology and to faith.
Bonaventure, De reductione artium ad theologiam (c. 1255)
Life is a journey of the soul toward union with God, which is its given end.
Bonaventure, Itinerarium mentis in Deum (1259)