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Early Middle Ages

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The advances that took place during the Middle Ages may seem insignificant by today's standards. Nevertheless, the advances which were made in social organization, technology, intellectual quest were far substantial in shaping what the world is like today. The 12th century was a period of blossoming because its people made noteworthy advances in an accelerated rate. On quality of life, European population nearly doubled its size, which led/is tied to growth of agricultural villages, towns, cities and the increase of arable land. Population boomed due to increased sense of security from more peaceful and stable conditions following the end of invasions that took place during the Early Middle Ages. Another reason for …show more content…

The system of higher education that is known in the present day society was established during the Middle Ages. The university was established to provide students with basic liberal arts education and optional further studies within an area of choice: law, medicine, or theology. Courses were taught in Latin and students had to pass a comprehensive exam to obtain their degree (256). The language choice of Latin allowed for anyone in Europe to attend, regardless of country of origin. The first European university was in Bologna, Italy, followed by Notre-Dame, Paris, and the University of Oxford and Cambridge University in England. “ …universities proved important to medieval civilization, not only for growth of learning…but also by providing a mechanism for training the personnel who served as teachers, administrators, lawyers, and doctors in an increasingly specialized society” (258). During this period, the concept of scholasticism was introduced. Stemmed from theological origins, the scholastic method became the main instructional mode at the universities. The method consists of posing a question, presenting contradictions to counter it, and thus coming up with a conclusive thought. Peter Abelard was one of the main teachers responsible for the scholastic method and concluded that “by doubting we come to inquiry, through inquiry to the truth” (259). The intellectual revival also brought back to life the important scientific and philosophical works of great minds like Hippocrates, Ptolemy, Euclid, and Aristotle, which were translated into Latin. Furthermore, the 12th century was the period in which lived one of the greatest minds still known today, Saint Thomas

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