Entre savoir profane et Révélation : la pratique exégétique à l’université d’Oxford 1229-1267

Through a study of the exegetical works of various masters associated with the University of Oxford between 1229 and 1267, we attempt to describe a freer environment than the one provided by the Université de Paris, which had prohibited the teaching of Aristotle’s libri naturales in 1210 and 1215. Robert Grosseteste, Richard Fishacre, Simon of Hinton and Roger Bacon articulate a conception of knowledge and the value of philosophical activity that seems to favour a more peaceful reception of the Greek philosopher, since the practice of literal exegesis legitimizes the speculations about nature to which this activity gives rise. This thesis attempts to understand the connections made by thinkers of the young University of Oxford, through their practice of exegesis, between Revelation and profane knowledge, and to see how their idea of theological inquiry evolved in the 13th century. We show that for the Oxford masters, answers to questions about Scripture are provided by natural philosophy and that all forms of profane knowledge, therefore, are seen as necessary, while always in the service of faith.