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Blessed John Duns Scotus
Called the 'Subtle Doctor'. Born 1266, a Scot from Duns on the Scottish Borders;
died in Cologne on November 8th 1308. A very influential Franciscan philosopher and
theologian. He defended the doctrine that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was concieved without
original sin (the Immaculate Conception). He also argued that Jesus would have come even if
man had not sinned. He maintained that will is superior to intellect and love superior
to knowledge. He also said that the essence of Heaven consists in beatific love rather
than the vision of God. He joined the Franciscans in England (ordained Priest in Northampton)
and studied both there and in France. He taught in Paris and in Cologne in Germany and it
was in the latter that he died. His body at present lies in the nave of the Franciscan
church near the Cologne cathedral.
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Blessed John Duns Scotus
1266-1308
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