Oh these naughtily insistent cards. I drew this at 9am couldn't think of an immediate history post so left it till tonight, shuffled and drew again - guess what same card :DPourparler - exchange of ideas. The more I read about medieval intellectuals the more I am impressed by their polymathy and productivity. Example - Roger Bacon who circa 1237-47 accepted an invitation to teach at the University of Paris and subsequently lectured on Latin Grammar, Aristotelian logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Astronomy and Music. Who in our modern university system could do this now?
In 1267 or 1268, Bacon sent the Pope his Opus Majus. This formed part of larger body of scholarly work of around a million words in about a year - an extraordinary example of academic productivity.
Encompassing work on mathematics, optics, alchemy and astronomy the Opus was divided into seven sections and was intended as a proposal for the reform of the university curriculum, the establishment of a library and the employment of experts to compose definitive texts on such topics as optics, astronomy (astrology) alchemy, agriculture (botany and zoology) medicine, experimental science - a philosophy of science to guide the others.
And so the seeds were sown for the destruction of polymathy. Expertise, specialisation, being definitive. The emergence of a cadre of academics able to speak to only one subject (and within that probably only their own research tribe).
I suppose the world of today is too complicated to become an expert in many things.
ReplyDeleteit probably is but 'experts' have a stake in telling us that. I see a lot of superficial 'expertise' (claiming of territory) in my work life and I do yearn for a time when there was more exchange between the different academic disciplines. One reason I love your blogging circle is your multiple interests and knowledges. I learn so much.
Deletea subject that has always fascinated me. How truly scholarly so many of our ancestors were. Their world wasn't as busy as we've made ours. Ask a hundred people in the street if they like to sit down and learn a new language. I'm guessing 100 people would say they didn't have the time.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are interested as I think I am going to continue blogging about medieval intellectual life this week (contradicting my argument about specialisation). There are so many faux specialisations now (instgramollogy???) that probably won't matter a jot in 5 years let alone 700. Learning a language difficult (it's a daily practice) probably why language courses on the decline. I am enjoying the learning the French words in this deck.
DeleteSeems a shame not to be well-rounded in knowledge, but on the other hand if I want a don't want a podiatrist for brain surgery!
ReplyDeleteYes medicine is an area where we definitely want expertise! Still I do appreciate doctors who see the whole person rather than just the 'part' to be fixed
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