The Double Truth Controversy
An Analytical Essay
The principal source of the double truth controversy is the condemnation of 1277 issued
by the bishop of Paris, Stephan Tempier. In the introduction to the document, Tempier
condemns those philosophers who claim that there are things true according to the Catholic
faith but false on the basis of natural reason. There is little doubt that Tempier thought
of Siger of Brabant and Boethius of Dacia.
There are several problems involved here, the first being whether anyone has actually
ever advocated double truth. The second follows on the heels of the first since, if so,
what does the theory of duplex veritas amount to? Finally, is it rational to uphold a view
that embraces double truth?
This book attempts to answer these questions via an exegesis of historical texts and by
the application of some modern logical techniques to medieval theories. The resulting
picture is that of complex and interesting accounts of the relationship between faith and
reason, enabling an in-depth reflection on the contemporary discussions of the issue.
206 pages, Hardcover