The Question of the Scientificness of Theology According to John Duns Scotus

In the light of Aristotle's criteria for scientific knowledge, Duns Scotus maintains theology is not a science, but a specific and independent (autonomous) type of knowledge that is neither subordinated to any other type of knowledge, nor makes any other type of knowledge subordinated to itself. At the same time, Scotus modifies Aristotle's understanding of science: certainty and evidence are not based upon the necessity of a subject, but rather upon the perfection of knowing mind. Even though "our theology" is not a science, it has more dignity compared to other sciences, since it offers "more", i.e. it offers knowledge aiming at making man more perfect. At the same time, it demonstrates the fact that the goal of man is not theory, but rather practice in the sense of love.

Keywords: Theology; Science; Theology as practical science; Evidence and certainty; John Duns Scotus; Thomas Aquinas