Gilbert of Poitiers, also known as Gilbert de la Porrée, was a twelfth-century French theologian and philosopher who made significant contributions to the development of medieval theology, particularly in the areas of metaphysics and theology of the Trinity. He was also an important teacher and commentator on the works of Aristotle.
Gilbert was born in Poitiers, France, around the year 1076 and joined the Cathedral school of Chartres at a young age. There, he studied the liberal arts, theology, and philosophy, including the works of Aristotle, which would have a significant impact on his later thought.
Gilbert’s most significant contribution to medieval theology was his work on the metaphysics of substance. In his treatise, “De sex principiis,” Gilbert discussed the six principles of reality: substance, quantity, quality, relation, action, and passion. He argued that substance is the most fundamental principle and that all other principles derive from it. This was a significant departure from earlier medieval thought, which had placed greater emphasis on quantity and quality as the primary principles of reality.
Gilbert’s work on substance also had implications for his understanding of the Trinity. He believed that the substance of God was identical with the substance of each of the three persons of the Trinity. This was a departure from the earlier Augustinian understanding of the Trinity, which emphasized the unity of the three persons in the substance of God. Gilbert’s view was seen as more in line with the Aristotelian concept of substance, which emphasized the individuality of each substance.
Gilbert’s understanding of the Trinity was controversial and was criticized by some theologians, including his contemporary, Bernard of Clairvaux. However, his views on substance were influential and were later adopted by other theologians, including Thomas Aquinas.
In addition to his work on metaphysics and the Trinity, Gilbert was also an important commentator on the works of Aristotle. He wrote commentaries on Aristotle’s “Categories” and “De Interpretatione,” and his works were widely read and studied in the medieval period. Gilbert believed that the study of Aristotle was essential for understanding the nature of reality and that his works could be reconciled with Christian theology.
Gilbert’s views on Aristotle were influential in the development of medieval philosophy and theology. He believed that Aristotle’s works could be used to explain Christian doctrines, including the Trinity and the nature of Christ. This was a departure from earlier Christian thought, which had seen philosophy as a potential threat to Christian orthodoxy.
Gilbert’s importance as a theologian and philosopher was recognized during his lifetime. He was appointed bishop of Poitiers in 1142 and served in this position until his death in 1154. He was also a teacher and mentor to many of the leading theologians of the time, including Peter Abelard, who would go on to make significant contributions to the development of medieval theology and philosophy.
Gilbert’s legacy as a theologian and philosopher has had a lasting impact on the development of Western thought. His work on metaphysics and the Trinity was influential in the development of later Christian theology, and his views on Aristotle helped to establish the importance of philosophy in the study of theology. Gilbert’s contributions to the development of medieval theology and philosophy continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars and students today.