John Blund
John Blund was an English scholastic philosopher and a brief Archbishop of Canterbury. He is recognized as "the first English Aristotelian" for his significant engagement with Aristotle's newly translated works and Avicenna's philosophy on the soul. Despite being elected Archbishop, his tenure was short-lived due to a quashed election.
Key Facts
- ›Authored the Tractatus de anima, an early Western philosophical work utilizing Aristotle's De Anima and Avicenna's work on the soul.
- ›Taught at Oxford University alongside Edmund of Abingdon.
- ›Was elected Archbishop of Canterbury on August 26, 1232.
- ›His election as Archbishop was quashed on June 1, 1233, due to alleged pluralism.
- ›Appointed chancellor of the see of York before November 3, 1234.
- ›Died in 1248.
Authored Tractatus De Anima, Considered the "First English Aristotelian"
About John Blund
John Blund: Philosopher and Archbishop
John Blund (c. 1175–1248) was a significant figure in medieval English intellectual history, known both as a scholastic philosopher and for his brief tenure as Archbishop of Canterbury. He is notably recognized as "the first English Aristotelian" due to his pioneering engagement with the newly translated works of Aristotle, particularly his treatise on the soul, "De Anima." Blund also made extensive use of the philosophical work on the soul by the Persian philosopher Avicenna, also titled "De Anima," in his own significant philosophical work, the "Tractatus de anima."
Life and Career
Blund's academic career included teaching at Oxford University, where he worked alongside Edmund of Abingdon. He also studied at Oxford and Paris, experiencing the dispersal of the University of Paris in 1229. Prior to his election as Archbishop, he served as a royal clerk by 1227 and held the position of canon of Chichester before 1232.
His time as Archbishop of Canterbury was exceptionally short. Elected on August 26, 1232, with the support of Peter des Roches, his election was annulled by papal authority on June 1, 1233, on the grounds of pluralism. It is speculated that the pluralism charge may have been a cover for other political reasons, possibly related to the support he received.
Following the quashing of his election, Blund continued his career in the church. He was appointed chancellor of the see of York before November 3, 1234. John Blund died in 1248.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was John Blund?
John Blund was an English scholastic philosopher and briefly served as Archbishop of Canterbury. He is known for his philosophical work, particularly on the nature of the soul.
What is John Blund known for in philosophy?
He is renowned for his Tractatus de anima, one of the first Western philosophical works to extensively use Aristotle's "De Anima" and Avicenna's treatise of the same name. He is referred to as the "first English Aristotelian".
What was John Blund's role at Oxford University?
John Blund taught at Oxford University. He was also educated there, and studied at the University of Paris.
Why was John Blund's election as Archbishop of Canterbury quashed?
His election on August 26, 1232, was quashed on June 1, 1233, due to allegations of pluralism. It is suggested that his support from Peter des Roches may have been the real reason, with pluralism serving as a pretext.
What positions did John Blund hold besides his brief archbishopric?
Before his election as Archbishop, Blund was a royal clerk by 1227 and a canon of Chichester before 1232. After his election was quashed, he was appointed chancellor of the see of York before November 3, 1234.
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