Ordering Knowledge in the Medieval World
Overview
During the Middle Ages in Europe, the perception and organization of knowledge underwent a significant transformation that helped make possible the ideas and accomplishments of the Scientific Revolution during the Renaissance and early modern period. As the works of Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) and other ancient philosophers were brought together with the teachings of Christianity and the mathematic and scientific contributions of the Islamic world, a diverse array of knowledge found its way into medieval university curricula and encyclopedias for the learned. The ideas and worldview presented in these institutions and volumes offer insight into how medieval scholars helped turn the ancient world into the modern one.
Background
Science, or natural philosophy as it was better known for many centuries, flourished during the heyday of Greek civilization. The Greek conquests lead by Alexander the Great (356-323 B.C.) in the fourth century B.C. brought about a mixing of Greek and Roman culture that ultimately resulted in a decline in interest in scientific and mathematical pursuits. While Greek scholars had pursued the study of a wide range of philosophical and scientific subjects with a high degree of sophistication and technical detail, Roman readers and students had more practical and basic interests.
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