Who is Anselm, Saint in Philosophy

Anselm of Canterbury, also known as Saint Anselm, was an important medieval philosopher and theologian. Born in Aosta, Italy, around the year 1033, he became one of the most influential thinkers of the Middle Ages. His writings cover a wide range of topics, from the existence of God to the nature of faith and reason. In this glossary, we will explore the life and legacy of Saint Anselm, highlighting his main contributions to philosophy.

The Life of Saint Anselm

Saint Anselm was born into a noble family and received a high-quality education from an early age. He studied at the cathedral school in Aosta, where he had the opportunity to learn Latin and become familiar with the classics of literature and philosophy. At the age of 15, Anselm decided to join the Benedictine order, entering the monastery of Bec, in Normandy.

At the monastery, Anselm continued his studies, delving deeper into philosophy and theology. He distinguished himself as a brilliant student and soon became a teacher at the monastery school. His teachings attracted the attention of many students and he gained a reputation as an exceptionally gifted thinker.

The Philosophical Contributions of Saint Anselm

One of Saint Anselm's main contributions to philosophy was his ontological argument for the existence of God. In this argument, Anselm proposed that the very idea of ​​a supreme being necessarily implies its existence. He argued that if we can conceive of the idea of ​​a perfect, supreme being, then that being must exist in reality, as existence is a necessary characteristic of a perfect being.

In addition to the ontological argument, Saint Anselm also developed an original approach to the relationship between faith and reason. He argued that faith and reason are not incompatible, but rather complementary. For Anselm, faith is a divine gift that allows us to know truths that are beyond the capacity of human reason. However, he also emphasized the importance of reason as a tool for exploring and understanding faith.

The Legacy of Saint Anselm

Saint Anselm's legacy is vast and lasting. His writings influenced many later philosophers and theologians, and his ideas continue to be discussed and debated to this day. His ontological argument, in particular, has been the subject of analysis and criticism for centuries, and is still considered one of the most important arguments for the existence of God.

In addition to his philosophical contributions, Saint Anselm also played an important role in the history of the Catholic Church. He was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in England in 1093, and played a key role in reforming the church and defending the Church's independence from secular power.

Conclusion

Saint Anselm was one of the most important philosophers and theologians of the Middle Ages. His contributions to philosophy, especially his ontological argument for the existence of God, continue to be studied and debated to this day. Furthermore, his role in the history of the Catholic Church and his defense of the church's independence are equally significant. Saint Anselm left a lasting legacy and his work continues to influence philosophical and theological thought.