Metaphysics: Science and Wisdom in the Thought of Albertus Magnus.

Abstract

In the Middle Ages, the study of philosophy was restricted to the liberal arts, especially dialectics, and theological topics were based on a Christian philosophy, but with a Platonic background thanks to thinkers such as Augustine of Hippo or Anselm of Aosta. However, with the reception of Aristotelianism, a stage of intense discussion was inaugurated around the new philosophy introduced by the translations of Greek-Arabic and Jewish texts. In these pages we review this process as it relates to Aristotelian metaphysics, and we focus on the figure of Albertus Magnus, who is often left aside due to the fame acquired by his notable student, Thomas Aquinas. By studying different sources we aim to answer the questions: What was the contribution of Albertus Magnus to the acceptance of Aristotelian metaphysics as a science? To what extent did the synthesis of the Universal Doctor make possible his connection with theology? What place does Alberto give, with respect to other knowledge, to metaphysical science once its object has been specified? We maintain, therefore, that Albertine's reading of Aristotelian metaphysics, which presents it as science and wisdom, made possible its acceptance as knowledge worthy of study.