I seem to remember reading years ago in one of Grabmann's works that this
particular topic was given to students precisely in order to force them to
develop their debating skills. It was not taken seriously a topic for
investigation but did require of the student that the issues surrounding the
relationship between spirit and matter be explored. I suppose it would
therefore have fulfilled the medieval role played by the sort of idiotic
arithmetic exercises I remember having to do as a boy involving endless
trains etc., trying racing against bicycles over stipulated distances.
Hope this helps.
Brian
----- Original Message -----
From: John Shinners <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, November 27, 1999 6:41 PM
Subject: Dancing angels
> I know I once read somewhere that there is no evidence that any
> scholastic philosopher ever really contemplated "How many angels can dance
> on the head of a pin," but does anyone know when this particular canard
> appeared or who introduced it? (I did a web search just now and it is
> definitely alive and well as a misconception about the Middle Ages...at
> least I *hope* it's a misconception!)
> Thanks,
> John S.
>
____________________________________________________________________________
> John Shinners e-mail:[log in to unmask]
> Chair and Professor Phone: (office): (219)
284-4494
> Humanistic Studies Program Phone (dept.): (219) 284-4501
> Saint Mary's College Fax: (219) 284-4716
> Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
>
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