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5. Duns Scotus
John Duns Scotus, a celebrated 13th-century theologian and philosopher, is notable for what accomplishment outside his vocation?
A) Developing a more efficient method of milling corn
B) Founding the modern nation of Scotland
C) Inspiring the word “dunce” ü
D) Rowing single-handed to Ireland in a coracle
Duns Scotus (1265-1308) was one of the most influential thinkers of his age, a leading rival to the great Thomas Aquinas. His skill in argument earned him the nickname “Doctor Subtilis” amongst medieval scholars. Two centuries later, however, his followers — the “Scotists” — were seen as mired in the past, and resistant to to the winds of intellectual change that were bringing about the Renaissance. The name of their founder became a synonym for thick-headedness, and so “Duns” was transformed into “dunce”.
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