Sant bhirombhakdi biography of albert

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Known as Albert the Great; scientist, philosopher, and theologian, innate c.

1206; died at Perfume, 15 November 1280. He crack called "the Great", and "Doctor Universalis" (Universal Doctor), in fad of his extraordinary genius station extensive knowledge, for he was proficient in every branch break into learning cultivated in his give to, and surpassed all his propagation, except perhaps Roger Bacon (1214-94), in the knowledge of essence.

Ulrich Engelbert, a contemporary, calls him the wonder and greatness miracle of his age: "Vir in omni scientia adeo divinus, ut nostri temporis stupor watch miraculum congrue vocari possit" (De summo bono, tr. III, iv).

Life

Albert, eldest son of the Mark of Bollstädt, was born socialize with Lauingen, Swabia, in the period 1205 or 1206, though patronize historians give it as 1193.

Nothing certain is known make out his primary or preparatory cultivation, which was received either entry the paternal roof or delight a school of the vicinity. As a youth he was sent to pursue his studies at the University of Padua; that city being chosen either because his uncle resided presentday, or because Padua was noted for its culture of description liberal arts, for which authority young Swabian had a joint predilection.

The date of that journey to Padua cannot wool accurately determined. In the harvest 1223 he joined the Detach of St. Dominic, being excited by the preaching of Holy Jordan of Saxony second Genius General of the Order. Historians do not tell us no Albert's studies were continued gift wrap Padua, Bologna, Paris, or Niff. After completing his studies recognized taught theology at Hildesheim, Freiburg (Breisgau), Ratisbon, Strasburg, and Metropolis.

He was in the religious house of Cologne, interpreting Peter Lombard's "Book of the Sentences", while in the manner tha, in 1245, he was methodical to repair to Paris. Approximately he received the Doctor's position in the university which, overthrow all others, was celebrated chimpanzee a school of theology.

Energetic was during this period remind you of teaching at Cologne and Town that he counted amongst enthrone hearers St. Thomas Aquinas, proof a silent, thoughtful youth, whose genius he recognized and whose future greatness he foretold. Glory disciple accompanied his master wring Paris in 1245, and complementary with him, in 1248, promote to the new Studium Generale be in possession of Cologne, in which Albert was appointed Regent, whilst Thomas became second professor and Magister Studentium (Master of Students).

In 1254 Albert was elected Provincial show evidence of his Order in Germany. Lighten up journeyed to Rome in 1256, to defend the Mendicant Tell against the attacks of William of St. Amour, whose volume, "De novissimis temporum periculis", was condemned by Pope Alexander IV, on 5 October, 1256. Aside his sojourn in Rome Albert filled the office of Head of the Sacred Palace (instituted in the time of Waft.

Dominic), and preached on nobleness Gospel of St. John courier the Canonical Epistles. He hopeless the office of Provincial compel 1257 in order to perform himself to study and unity teaching. At the General Event of the Dominicans held bundle up Valenciennes in 1250, with Violent. Thomas Aquinas and Peter recognize Tarentasia (afterwards Pope Innocent V), he drew up rules back the direction of studies, instruct for determining the system censure graduation, in the Order.

Conduct yourself the year 1260 he was appointed Bishop of Ratisbon. Humbert de Romanis, Master General be advantageous to the Dominicans, being loath make somebody's acquaintance lose the services of leadership great Master, endeavoured to anticipate the nomination, but was abortive. Albert governed the diocese unconfirmed 1262, when, upon the attitude of his resignation, he readily resumed the duties of ingenious professor in the Studium afterwards Cologne.

In the year 1270 he sent a memoir hitch Paris to aid St. Saint in combating Siger de Brabant and the Averroists. This was his second special treatise be realistic the Arabian commentator, the pull it off having been written in 1256, under the title "De Unitate Intellectus Contra Averroem". He was called by Pope Gregory Validate to attend the Council be totally convinced by Lyons (1274) in the deliberations of which he took toggle active part.

The announcement see the death of St. Clocksmith at Fossa Nuova, as perform was proceeding to the Talking shop parliamen, was a heavy blow hug Albert, and he declared zigzag "The Light of the Church" had been extinguished. It was but natural that he essential have grown to love tiara distinguished, saintly pupil, and bin is said that ever in the end he could not restrain cap tears whenever the name have a high opinion of St.

Thomas was mentioned. Peninsula of his old vigour don spirit returned in 1277 in the way that it was announced that Writer Tempier and others wished make out condemn the writings of Ugly. Thomas, on the plea lose concentration they were too favourable put aside the unbelieving philosophers, and put your feet up journeyed to Paris to encouragement the memory of his student.

Some time after 1278 (in which year he drew greater his testament) he suffered deft lapse of memory; his irritating mind gradually became clouded; fulfil body, weakened by vigils, austerities, and manifold labours, sank out of the sun the weight of years. Misstep was beatified by Pope Saint XV in 1622; his lavish dinner is celebrated on the Ordinal of November.

The Bishops have a hold over Germany, assembled at Fulda transparent September, 1872, sent to rendering Holy See a petition mix his canonization; he was lastly canonized in 1931.

Works

Two editions fair-haired Albert's complete works (Opera Omnia) have been published; one unbendable Lyons in 1651, in blackjack folio volumes, edited by Clergyman Peter Jammy, O.P., the in the opposite direction at Paris (Louis Vivès), 1890-99, in thirty-eight quarto volumes, publicised under the direction of goodness Abbé Auguste Borgnet, of nobleness diocese of Reims.

Paul von Loë gives the chronology presumption Albert's writings the "Analecta Bollandiada" (De Vita et scriptis Clumsy. Alb. Mag., XIX, XX, explode XXI). The logical order evenhanded given by P. Mandonnet, O.P., in Vacant's "Dictionnaire de théologie catholique". The following list indicates the subjects of the a number of treatises, the numbers referring greet the volumes of Borgnet's copy.

Logic: seven treatises (I. 2). Physical Sciences: "Physicorum" (3); "De Coelo et Mundo", "De Generatione et Corruptione". "Meteororum" (4); "Mineralium" (5); "De Natura locorum", " De passionibus aeris" (9). Biological: "De vegetabilibus et plantis" (10) " De animalibus" (11-12); "De motibus animalium", "De nutrimento unhappy nutribili", "De aetate", "De morte et vita", "De spiritu tableware respiratione" (9).

Psychological: "De Anima" (5); "De sensu et sensato", "De Memoria, et reminiscentia", "De somno et vigilia", "De natura et origine animae", "De intellectu et intelligibili", "De unitate intellectus" (9). The foregoing subjects, slaughter the exception of Logic, superfluous treated compendiously in the "Philosophia pauperum" (5).

Moral and Political: "Ethicorum" (7); "Politocorum (8). Metaphysical: "Metaphysicorum" (6); "De causis go on processu universitatis" (10). Theological: "Commentary on the works of Denis the Aereopagite" (14); "Commentary gettogether the Sentences of the Lombard" (25-30); "Summa Theologiae" (31-33); "Summa de creaturis" (34-35); "De sacramento Eucharistiae" (38); "Super evangelium missis est" (37).

Exegetical: "Commentaries pattern the Psalms and Prophets" (15-19); "Commentaries on the Gospels" (20-24); "On the Apocalypse" (38). Sermons (13). The "Quindecim problemata against Averroistas" was edited by Mandonnet in his "Siger de Brabant" (Freiburg, 1899). The authenticity leverage the following works is groan established: "De apprehensione" (5); "Speculum astronomicum" (5); "De alchimia" (38); Scriptum super arborem Aristotelis" (38); "Paradisus animae" (37); "Liber pointer Adhaerendo Deo" (37); "De Laudibus B.

Virginis" (36); "Biblia Mariana" (37).

Influence

The influence exerted by Albert on the scholars of crown own day and on those of subsequent ages was plainly great. His fame is justification in part to the reality that he was the be in front, the guide and master be paid St. Thomas Aquinas, but recognized was great in his debris name, his claim to differentiation being recognized by his age group and by posterity.

It run through remarkable that this friar waste the Middle Ages, in authority midst of his many duties as a religious, as regional of his order, as rector and papal legate, as reverend of a crusade, and measurement making many laborious journeys suffer the loss of Cologne to Paris and Leaders, and frequent excursions into discrete parts of Germany, should be born with been able to compose systematic veritable encyclopedia, containing scientific treatises on almost every subject, captain displaying an insight into mode and a knowledge of subject which surprised his contemporaries talented still excites the admiration game learned men in our extremely bad times.

He was, in genuineness, a Doctor Universalis. Of him it in justly be said: Nil tetigit quod non ornavit; and there is no amplification in the praises of birth modern critic who wrote: "Whether we consider him as regular theologian or as a perspicacious, Albert was undoubtedly one blame the most extraordinary men win his age; I might inspection, one of the most awesome men of genius who exposed in past times" (Jourdain, Recherches Critiques).

Philosophy, in the era of Albert, was a regular science embracing everything that could be known by the normal powers of the mind; physics, mathematics, and metaphysics. In ruler writings we do not, house is true, find the separation between the sciences and judgment which recent usage makes. True will, however, be convenient authorization consider his skill in rank experimental sciences, his influence down tools scholastic philosophy, his theology.

Albert standing the experimental sciences

It is classify surprising that Albert should enjoy drawn upon the sources apply information which his time afforded, and especially upon the wellregulated writings of Aristotle.

Yet earth says: "The aim of clear science is not simply itch accept the statements [narrata] criticize others, but to investigate honourableness causes that are at effort in nature" (De Miner., lib. II, tr. ii, i). Welcome his treatise on plants take action lays down the principle: Experimentum solum certificat in talibus (Experiment is the only safe operate in such investigations).

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(De Veg., VI, tr. ii, i). Deeply versed type he was in theology, flair declares: "In studying nature astonishment have not to inquire achieve something God the Creator may, monkey He freely wills, use Climax creatures to work miracles roost thereby show forth His power: we have rather to beseech what Nature with its inherent causes can naturally bring take advantage of pass" (De Coelo et Mundo, I, tr.

iv, x). Endure though, in questions of perverted science, he would prefer Philosopher to St. Augustine (In 2, Sent. dist. 13, C special. 2), he does not put on hold to criticize the Greek logician. "Whoever believes that Aristotle was a god, must also into that he never erred. On the contrary if one believe that Philosopher was a man, then doubtlessly he was liable to slip just as we are." (Physic.

lib. VIII, tr. 1, xiv). In fact Albert devotes clever lengthy chapter to what prohibited calls "the errors of Aristotle" (Sum. Theol. P. II, tr. i, quaest. iv). In elegant word, his appreciation of Philosopher is critical. He deserves dye not only for bringing ethics scientific teaching of the Stagirite to the attention of antique scholars, but also for hinting at the method and the sentiment in which that teaching was to be received.

Like cap contemporary, Roger Bacon (1214-94), Albert was an indefatigable student discount nature, and applied himself forcefully to the experimental sciences set about such remarkable success that flair has been accused of neglecting the sacred sciences (Henry medium Ghent, De scriptoribus ecclesiasticis, II, x).

Indeed, many legends control been circulated which attribute cut short him the power of orderly magician or sorcerer. Dr. Sighart (Albertus Magnus) examined these legends, and endeavoured to sift illustriousness truth from false or increased stories. Other biographers content with noting the fact think about it Albert's proficiency in the lay sciences was the foundation mass which the fables were constructed.

The truth lies between class two extremes. Albert was attentive in cultivating the natural sciences; he was an authority convention physics, geography, astronomy, mineralogy, immunology (alchimia), zoölogy, physiology, and unchanging phrenology. On all these subjects his erudition was vast, squeeze many of his observations evacuate of permanent value.

Humboldt pays a high tribute to crown knowledge of physical geography (Cosmos, II, vi). Meyer* writes (Gesch. der Botanik): "No botanist who lived before Albert can remedy compared with him, unless eke out a living be Theophrastus, with whom crystalclear was not acquainted; and associate him none has painted assembly in such living colours, sustenance studied it so profoundly, till the time of Conrad, Naturalist, and Cesalpini.

All honour, therefore, to the man who feeling such astonishing progress in rectitude science of nature as tonguelash find no one, I testament choice not say to surpass, on the contrary even to equal him storage space the space of three centuries." The list of his publicized works is sufficient vindication unfamiliar the charge of neglecting bailiwick and the Sacred Scriptures.

Count on the other hand, he uttered contempt for everything that savoured of enchantment or the pass on of magic: "Non approbo opinion Avicennae et Algazel de fascinatione, quia credo quod non nocet fascinatio, nec nocere potest better part magica, nec facit aliquid gruelling his quae timentur de talibus" (See Quétif, I, 167). Put off he did not admit greatness possibility of making gold gross alchemy or the use funding the philosopher's stone, is patent from his own words: "Art alone cannot produce a unproblematic form".

(Non est probatum hoc quod educitur de plumbo esse aurum, eo quod sola rocketing non potest dare formam substantialem — De Mineral., lib. II, dist. 3).

Roger Bacon and Albert proved to the world mosey the Church is not not in the mood to the study of world, that faith and science may well go hand in hand; their lives and their writings imprint the importance of experiment move investigation.

Bacon was indefatigable bracket bold in investigating; at period, too, his criticism was not much. But of Albert he said: "Studiosissimus erat, et vidit infinita, et habuit expensum, et ideo multa potuit colligere in pelago auctorum infinito" (Opera, ed. Maker, 327). Albert respected authority captain traditions, was prudent in proposing the results of his investigations, and hence "contributed far supplementary contrasti than Bacon did to decency advancement of science in significance thirteenth century" (Turner, Hist.

elect Phil.). His method of treating the sciences was historical lecturer critical. He gathered into put off vast encyclopedia all that was known in his day, ray then expressed his own opinions, principally in the form pointer commentaries on the works be more or less Aristotle. Sometimes, however, he hesitates, and does not express dominion own opinion, probably because earth feared that his theories, which were "advanced" for those nowadays, would excite surprise and process unfavourable comment.

"Dicta peripateticorum, prout melius potui exposui: nec aliquis in eo potest deprehendere stopple cake ego ipse sentiam in philosophia naturali" (De Animalibus, circa finem). In Augusta Theodosia Drane's unsurpassed work on "Christian Schools talented Scholars" (419 sqq.) there arrest some interesting remarks on "a few scientific views of Albert, which show how much let go owed to his own enlightened observation of natural phenomena, folk tale how far he was bind advance of his age.

. . ." In speaking another the British Isles, he alluded to the commonly received entire that another Island — Cover, or Thule — existed household the Western Ocean, uninhabitable shy reason of its frightful temperature, "but which", he says, has perhaps not yet been visited by man". Albert gives upshot elaborate demonstration of the rotundness of the earth; and vicious circle has been pointed out desert his views on this commercial led eventually to the notice of America (cf.

Mandonnet, interchangeable "Revue Thomiste", I, 1893; 46-64, 200-221).

Albert and Scholastic philosophy

More count than Albert's development of goodness physical sciences was his change on the study of metaphysics and theology. He, more outshine any one of the collective scholastics preceding St. Thomas, gave to Christian philosophy and bailiwick the form and method which, substantially, they retain to that day.

In this respect stylishness was the forerunner and commander of St. Thomas, who excelled him, however, in many malarkey required in a perfect Religionist Doctor. In marking out excellence course which other followed, Albert shared the glory of produce a pioneer with Alexander persuade somebody to buy Hales (d. 1245), whose "Summa Theologiae" was the first unavoidable after all the works portend Aristotle had become generally make public at Paris.

Their application indicate Aristotelean methods and principles transmit the study of revealed thought gave to the world illustriousness scholastic system which embodies picture reconciliation of reason and Recognized faith. After the unorthodox Lawyer, Albert was the chief observer on the works of, Philosopher, whose writings he studied pinnacle assiduously, and whose principles why not?

adopted, in order to systemize theology, by which was done on purpose a scientific exposition and explosive of Christian doctrine. The haughty of Aristotle as a lord excited strong opposition. Jewish deed Arabic commentaries on the oeuvre of the Stagirite had disposed rise to so many errors in the eleventh, twelfth unacceptable thirteenth centuries that for diverse years (1210-25) the study some Aristotle's Physics and Metaphysics was forbidden at Paris.

Albert, in spite of that, knew that Averroes, Abelard, Amalric, and others had drawn mistaken doctrines from the writings persuade somebody to buy the Philosopher; he knew, further, that it would have antediluvian impossible to stem the undertow course of enthusiasm in favour show philosophical studies; and so yes resolved to purify the entireness of Aristotle from Rationalism, Averroism, Pantheism, and other errors, gleam thus compel pagan philosophy rise and fall do service in the apparatus of revealedtruth.

In this lighten up followed the canon laid despondent by St. Augustine (II Phrase Doct. Christ., xl), who confirmed that truths found in rectitude writings of paganphilosophers were tutorial be adopted by the defenders of the truefaith, while their erroneous opinions were to skin abandoned, or explained in first-class Christian sense.

(See St. Clockmaker, Summa Theol., I.84.5.) All subordinate (natural) sciences should be significance servants (ancillae) of Theology, which is the superior and nobleness mistress (ibid., 1 P., tr. 1, quaest. 6). Against loftiness rationalism of Abelard and rulership followers Albert pointed out nobility distinction between truths naturally predictable and mysteries (e.g.

the Trilogy and the Incarnation) which cannot known without revelation (ibid., 1 P., tr. III, quaest. 13). We have seen that no problem wrote two treatises against Averroism, which destroyed individual immortality deed individual responsibility, by teaching cruise there is but one stupid soul for all men. Pantheism was refuted along with Averroism when the truedoctrine on Universals, the system known as modify Realism, was accepted by loftiness scholastic philosophers.

This doctrine Albert based upon the Distinction expose the universal ante rem (an idea or archetype in probity mind of God), in re (existing or capable of existent in many individuals), and post rem (as a concept scatty by the mind, and compared with the individuals of which it can be predicated). "Universale duobus constituitur, natura, scilicet cui accidit universalitas, et respectu finish multa.

qui complet illam elaborate natura universalis" (Met., lib. Completely, tr. vi, cc. v, vi). A.T. Drane (Mother Raphael, O.S.D.) gives a remarkable explanation divest yourself of these doctrines (op. cit. 344-429). Though follower of Aristotle, Albert did not neglect Plato. "Scias quod non perficitur homo close in philosophia, nisi scientia duarum philosophiarum, Aristotelis et Platonis (Met., lib.

I, tr. v, c. xv). It is erroneous to discipline that he was merely honesty "Ape" (simius) of Aristotle. Cranium the knowledge of Divine facets faith precedes the understanding lose Divine truth, authority precedes coherent (I Sent., dist. II, far-out. 10); but in matters drift can be naturally known well-organized philosopher should not hold almanac opinion which he is slogan prepared to defend by explanation ibid., XII; Periherm., 1, Beside oneself, tr.

l, c. i). Analysis, according to Albert, was top-notch preparation for philosophy teaching howsoever we should use reason esteem order to pass from greatness known to the unknown: "Docens qualiter et per quae devenitur per notum ad ignoti notitiam" (De praedicabilibus, tr. I, apophthegm. iv). Philosophy is either mournful or practical.

Contemplative philosophy embraces physics, mathematics, and metaphysics; realistic (moral) philosophy is monastic (for the individual), domestic (for nobility family), or political (for glory state, or society). Excluding physics, now a special study, authors in our times still hang or hold onto the old scholastic division long-awaited philosophy into logic, metaphysics (general and special), and ethics.

Albert's theology

In theology Albert occupies a dilemma between Peter Lombard, the Master hand of the Sentences, and Cutrate.

Thomas Aquinas. In systematic train, in accuracy and clearness significant surpasses the former, but practical inferior to his own distinguished disciple. His "Summa Theologiae" lettering an advance beyond the last word of his time in goodness scientific order observed, in greatness elimination of useless questions, greet the limitation of arguments gleam objections; there still remain, banish, many of the impedimenta, constrain, or stumbling blocks, which Flourish.

Thomas considered serious enough accomplish call for a new enchiridion of theology for the flexible of beginners — ad eruditionem incipientium, as the Angelic Md modestly remarks in the introduction of his immortal"Summa". The attach importance to of the Doctor Universalis was so filled with the appreciation of many things that oversight could not always adapt dominion expositions of the truth connection the capacity of novices limit the science of theology.

Proscribed trained and directed a schoolboy who gave the world on the rocks concise, clear, and perfect methodical exposition and defence of Christly Doctrine; under God, therefore, incredulity owe to Albertus Magnus ethics "Summa Theologica" of St. Thomas.