The Relation of Quantitative and Mathematical Methods in Science and Late Medieval Christian Theology

Abstract

One of the most important features of modern science is its quantitative and mathematical method. It is commonly held that this method was developed along with modern science, during the 16th century, but a close historical investigation would suggest that this method was in fact developed during the theological debates of the late medieval era rather than during the Scientific Revolution. This is particularly important for elucidating the historical relationship between science and religion in the west. Evidence suggests that it was the Christian theologians, who in spite of their theological concerns, encouraged Empiricism. In the present paper, I shall investigate the motivating factors for developing a quantitative method in late medieval theology. I will prove these three elements to have played an important role in this: the study of Optics with theological interests, Platonism in theology, and having theological intentions in pursuing mathematics. Thus, the relation between Empiricism and late medieval theology will be demonstrated.

Keywords

• modern science
• quantitative and mathematical method
• christian theology
• optics
• platonism in theology