Matthew of Acquasparta, the Italian Franciscan scholastic philosopher and theologian, was born in Acquasparta, near Todi in Umbria, possibly of the illustrious Bentivenghi family. In 1254 he entered the Franciscan order, and about 1268 he began studies at the University of Paris, where he was profoundly influenced by Bonaventure's system. Matthew was lector in the Studium Generale at Bologna (at least for the year 1273–1274), and in 1276 he became master in theology at Paris. From 1279 to 1287, he was lector Sacri Palatii in Rome, succeeding John Peckham. He was general of the order from 1287 to 1289. In 1288 he was made cardinal, and in 1291 he was named bishop of Porto and Santa Rufina. Matthew died at Rome, where he is buried in the church of Ara Coeli.

Doctrine

Matthew taught and wrote during the time of conflict between the Augustinian–Franciscan doctrinal tradition and the rising...