Medieval Logic and its Contemporary Relevance

George Santayana once observed that those who do not remember the past are doomed to repeat it. Of course, history can be studied for many reasons, even for its own sake. But studying medieval logic, in particular, can make us aware of the consequences of certain ideas in at least two ways. First, the problems that medieval logicians were tackling are in many cases still with us today and still unresolved, more so than in some more recent periods. Secondly, though medieval academia was small in comparison to its modern counterpart, logic played a key role in the medieval curriculum and was the object of close attention by some remarkably perceptive thinkers. So the study of medieval logic has particular contemporary relevance and can yield many insights into contemporary puzzles in philosophy of logic. The object of the workshop is to encourage investigation into these connections and to showcase notable examples.

Thanks to the generosity of the Scots Philosophical Association, we can offer two student bursaries, to cover the cost of three nights’ accommodation (29 and 30 April and 1 May), registration for the workshop and lunches on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. To apply, please send a letter of application, detailing  your course of study, accompanied by a supporting letter from your tutor, to [email protected] by Monday 26 March. We hope to make the awards by  30 March.

We are grateful to the British Society for the History of Philosophy, to the Leverhulme Trust, to the Scots Philosophical Association and to the University of St Andrews for financial support.