Ordinatio - Classic Text | Alexandria
Ordinatio (also known as Opus Oxoniense) stands as the magnum opus of John Duns Scotus (c. 1266-1308), the medieval Scottish Franciscan philosopher and theologian whose intricate philosophical system earned him the title "Doctor Subtilis." This monumental work, composed during his tenure at Oxford and Paris, represents one of the most sophisticated attempts to synthesize Christian theology with Aristotelian philosophy in the High Middle Ages.
The text emerged during a period of intense intellectual ferment in medieval universities, particularly amid the controversies surrounding Aristotelian philosophy's integration into Christian thought. Begun around 1300 and left incomplete at Scotus's death in 1308, the Ordinatio evolved from his earlier lecture notes (Lectura) on Peter Lombard's Sentences, the standard theological textbook of medieval universities. Unlike contemporary commentaries, Scotus's work transcended mere exposition to construct an original philosophical edifice that would challenge both Thomistic and Averroist interpretations of Aristotle.
The Ordinatio's revolutionary impact lies in its distinctive doctrines, including the formal distinction (distinctio formalis), the univocity of being, and haecceitas (thisness) - concepts that would profoundly influence subsequent philosophical thought. Scotus's meticulous revision process, evident in the manuscript tradition, reveals his relentless pursuit of philosophical precision, though this very complexity would later contribute to his works being somewhat neglected in favor of more accessible authors. The text's survival through numerous manuscripts, despite its complexity, testifies to its enduring intellectual significance.
In contemporary scholarship, the Ordinatio continues to generate intensive study, particularly following the critical edition initiated by the Vatican in 1950. Its themes resonate surprisingly with modern philosophical concerns, from questions of individuation to the relationship between reason and faith. The work's sophisticated treatment of modal logic and its nuanced approach to universals have drawn renewed attention from analytical philosophers, while its theological insights remain relevant to ongoing discussions in systematic theology. The Ordinatio stands as a testament to medieval intellectual achievement, challenging modern presumptions about pre-modern thought while offering resources for contemporary philosophical and theological reflection.
Critical debate persists regarding the precise chronology of its composition and the relationship between various manuscript traditions, inviting scholars to continue unraveling its textual mysteries. What makes the Ordinatio particularly compelling is how it exemplifies the medieval conviction that rigorous philosophical analysis could illuminate divine truth - a perspective that continues to challenge modern assumptions about the relationship between faith and reason.