Scotist

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A follower or supporter of the philosophical and theological ideas of John Duns Scotus, a medieval thinker known for his complex arguments and doctrines
2. An adherent of the scholastic tradition pioneered by a specific 13th-century Franciscan philosopher emphasizing subtle distinctions in theology and philosophy
3. Someone who advocates or aligns with the principles established by a medieval Scottish philosopher noted for his influence on metaphysical and theological thought

Etymology: Scotist" comes from "Scotus," the Latinized name of John Duns Scotus, the Scottish-born Franciscan philosopher and theologian of the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries. The surname-style name "Duns" is taken from the town of Duns in the Scottish Borders, which is why he is often called "Duns Scotus" rather than simply "Scotus." The suffix "-ist" is a common English ending used to form nouns for adherents or practitioners of a doctrine, as in "Platonist" or "Thomist." Adding it to "Scotus" produces a name for those who followed his distinctive ideas, such as his emphasis on the will over the intellect and his subtle method of argument.