Definition

1. Noun:
   • A scholar skilled in academic disputation: A person, especially in medieval universities, who was highly trained in the formal methods of argument and debate characteristic of scholastic philosophy.
   • A medieval university scholar versed in scholasticism: Specifically, a philosopher or theologian in the Middle Ages who was an expert in the system of thought (scholasticism) that aimed to reconcile classical philosophy, particularly that of Aristotle, with Christian theology.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The great schoolman Thomas Aquinas wrote extensively on faith and reason.
  • As a skilled schoolman, he could argue either side of a theological question with equal rigor.

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a historical connotation, primarily referring to figures from the 12th to 14th centuries.
• It can sometimes be used in a broader, slightly archaic sense to denote a person who is excessively devoted to or skilled in formal, academic argumentation.
  • His writing style was dry and logical, like that of an old schoolman.

Variants and Related Words

• Scholastic (adj/n): Pertaining to scholasticism or schoolmen; a person who adheres to scholasticism or is skilled in formal disputation.
  • Scholastic philosophy dominated medieval universities.
• Scholasticism (n): The system of theological and philosophical teaching predominant in the Middle Ages, based on the authority of the Church Fathers and Aristotle.

Synonyms

• Scholastic: A medieval philosopher or theologian.
• Dialectician: A person skilled in logical debate.
• Theologian: A person who engages in the study of theology (many schoolmen were theologians).

Notes on Different Meanings

• The primary and most common meaning is the historical one: a medieval scholar.
• In very rare, archaic, or extended use, it can refer to a teacher or professor, but this usage is largely obsolete. The modern words "teacher," "professor," or "academic" are preferred for this general sense.

Noun

1. a scholar who is skilled in academic disputation
2. a scholar in one of the universities of the Middle Ages; versed in scholasticism