John Duns Scotus (1266-1308) is generally considered one of the three most important philosophers and theologians of the Middle Ages. In Medieval times people were called by their Christian name—Johannes or John—followed by their place of origin—Duns, which was in Scotland (Scotus).
In 1291, Scotus was ordained to the priesthood in the Order of Friars Minor (also known as the Franciscans).
Scotus began his formal studies at Oxford in 1288 and concluded them in 1301. His colleagues called him “subtle doctor” in reference to his reputation for clever reasoning and analysis and his subtle manner of thought. By 1302, he was lecturing in Paris. In 1307, he was transferred for reasons unknown today to the Franciscan stadium at Cologne in what is now Germany. There are some who have suggested that he was transferred for political reasons and because there were opponents to his theology.
Scotus wrote a number of works which laid the foundation for a philosophical and theological school of thought known as Scotism. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia:
His language is frequently obscure; a maze of terms, definitions, distinctions, and objections through which it is by no means easy to thread one's way. For these reasons the study of Scotus's works was difficult; when undertaken at all, it was not carried on with the requisite thoroughness.
With regard to theology, Scotus is perhaps best known for his defense of the concept of immaculate conception by Mary and his theology on the absolute kingship of Jesus Christ.
Scotus died in Cologne, Germany, in 1308 and was buried in the Church of the Franciscans. His sarcophagus bears the inscription:
“Scotland brought me forth. England sustained me. France taught me. Cologne holds me.”
For 200 years following his death in 1308, Scotus continued to be a major influence on philosophical and theological thought. The “Dunsmen” read and taught his doctrines and philosophies at some of the most prestigious universities in Europe. Rigidly adhering to his teachings, the Dunsmen became known for their resistance to change. During the Renaissance, an era known for new thoughts and ideas, the Dunsmen came to be called “old barking curs.” The new thinkers of the Renaissance accused them of philosophic hair-splitting. Thus the Dunsmen became known as Dunces—philosophical slaves, lacking the powers of reasoning and argument. Dunce came to be synonymous for a person who is incapable of scholarship.
Dunces are often portrayed as wearing paper cone hats known as dunce caps.
In 1993, Pope John Paul II beatified John Duns Scotus.