1. Humanists of the Renaissance:
* Erasmus of Rotterdam: Argued that Scholasticism focused too much on logic and abstract reasoning, neglecting the study of original sources and the importance of human experience. He believed that the Bible and the classics should be studied directly, without the layers of interpretation provided by Scholastic thinkers.
* Michel de Montaigne: Criticized the Scholastic obsession with argumentation and the pursuit of "certainty," arguing that human knowledge is inherently limited and that excessive reliance on logic could lead to intellectual arrogance and dogmatism.
2. Protestant Reformers:
* Martin Luther: Luther rejected the Scholastic emphasis on works and human reason as the basis for salvation, arguing that faith alone was sufficient. He also criticized Scholastic doctrines such as transubstantiation (the belief that the bread and wine of the Eucharist become the body and blood of Christ).
* John Calvin: Similarly, Calvin criticized the Scholastic reliance on human reason, arguing that God's word should be the ultimate source of authority.
3. Early Modern Philosophers:
* René Descartes: Descartes, a key figure in the Scientific Revolution, rejected Scholasticism's reliance on Aristotelian philosophy. He argued for a new foundation for knowledge based on reason and doubt, advocating for a rigorous method of inquiry that differed significantly from Scholastic methodology.
* Francis Bacon: Bacon criticized the Scholastic focus on abstract speculation, arguing for a more empirical and inductive approach to knowledge. He emphasized the importance of observation, experimentation, and the systematic collection of data.
* Thomas Hobbes: Hobbes, a materialist and political philosopher, rejected the Scholastic view of the world, criticizing its reliance on metaphysical concepts like "forms" and "essences." He argued for a naturalistic explanation of human behavior and society, focusing on the role of power and self-interest.
Common Complaints Against Scholasticism:
* Excessive Emphasis on Logic and Abstract Reasoning: Critics argued that Scholasticism focused too much on logical deduction and argumentation at the expense of empirical observation, real-world experience, and practical application.
* Reliance on Aristotelian Philosophy: Critics felt that Scholasticism was too heavily reliant on the philosophy of Aristotle, hindering the development of new ideas and perspectives.
* Dogmatism and Intellectual Arrogance: Critics argued that Scholasticism promoted a rigid and dogmatic approach to knowledge, leading to intellectual arrogance and the suppression of dissenting views.
* Focus on Speculation and Metaphysics: Critics felt that Scholasticism spent too much time on abstract metaphysical concepts and speculation, neglecting practical concerns and the real needs of society.
* Lack of Original Thought and Innovation: Critics accused Scholasticism of being stagnant and unoriginal, simply rehashing and reinterpreting the ideas of past thinkers instead of developing new insights.
It's important to note that these criticisms were not always entirely accurate. While Scholasticism had its flaws, it also made significant contributions to intellectual history, such as developing rigorous methods of argumentation and analysis. Moreover, Scholastic thinkers were engaged in debates and controversies, with diverse schools of thought existing within the framework of Scholasticism.