Mini Monographs in Medieval and Early Modern Studies1 Theologians’ Vainglory

A study of the intellectual and professional self-consciousness of university theologians between the Middle Ages and the Modern period, based on texts (mainly in Latin, both academic and non-academic) that discuss and thematize the concept of the doctoral halo. Academic pride, the desire for fame and success, the importance of titles over the teaching practice, the gap between real capabilities and official recognition, the pomp of ceremonies and rituals, scholarly nepotism, and institutional privileges: these issues plagued medieval universities from their very beginnings and were discussed by theologians through the notion of “doctoral halo.” Over the centuries, this concept became a means to praise, criticize, and reflect on the professional category of theology students and teachers (and other culture-related agents as well), providing interesting insights into their intellectual self-awareness. Based on unedited texts and new interpretations, this book offers unique perspectives on the intellectual history of the medieval and pre-modern world.