Welcome to a new weekly feature where various MSCU Executive members will introduce a new word which relates to the Middle Ages. These words can relate to any aspect of the Middle Ages, general or specific. If you'd like to submit a new word to this feature please post it in the comment field.
This week's word: hylemorphism
This word is derived from the Greek hylo- meaning "substance or matter" and morphous meaning "form." The word means, "that which has both matter and substance."
This word relates to the philosophy of St Augustine. He believed in the doctrine of universal hylemorphism. Literally, the phrase means that everything is composed/constituted of both form and matter. This belief forms the basis of the Augustinian/Franciscan school of thought in the Middle Ages.
This belief has profound philosophical implications. If you care to know more I'd suggest picking up Frederick's Copleston's A History of Philosophy, Vol. 2, Part 2: Medieval Philosophy. Or you could also take Phil. 305 with Dr E.W. Kluge offered next year as a year-long course (plus it counts for Medi credits).
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