Condemnations of 1277

Timeline

1. 1270–1277University of Paris · Île-de-FranceIn the 1260s–70s the Paris Arts Faculty taught Aristotle's natural philosophy and Averroist commentaries, producing theses on the eternity of the world, the unity of the intellect, and philosophers' freedom from revelation. A partial condemnation had already occurred in 1270. After Aquinas died in 1274, some of his theses still caused controversy inside and outside the faculty.
2. 1276–1277Bishopric of Paris · Île-de-FrancePope John XXI (Peter of Spain) ordered an inquiry into dangerous teachings at Paris. Bishop Étienne Tempier convened theologians to review the Arts Faculty propositions, compiling a long list in a short time, ready for publication as an episcopal decree.
3. 1277Paris · Île-de-FranceOn 7 March 1277 Tempier issued a decree condemning 219 propositions, banning their teaching or defense in Paris. The items covered natural necessity, God's absolute power, the soul and the intellect, and other issues. Modern scholarship notes the list is heterogeneous and not all aimed at a single school; several items closely resemble Aquinas's texts, but whether the intent was to strike at the Dominicans remains debated.
4. 1277University of Paris · Île-de-FranceThe decree immediately constrained the Arts Faculty curriculum. Siger and others left Paris. The condemnations reinforced theses such as God's absolute power and prompted later scholars to distinguish philosophical argument from theological authority more carefully. After Aquinas's canonization in 1323, items clearly conflicting with him gradually faded in practice.