Kepler Disputatio

The Medieval university developed a method of investigation known as the disputatio. In its most common form, a question was posed to a disputant, who then laid out a series of arguments in favor of a position. Arguments in favor of the opposite position would then be put to him, to which he would have to respond. At the end, the master of studies stood up to give a determinatio, clearing up what was incorrect in the arguments on either side. For a good disputation, it is not required that the question discussed be obscure or deeply vexed; what matters is that, even in cases where the answer is fairly obvious, we learn deeper truths about why that is the answer from considering it in this way.

In the form of the disputatio taken up by Kepler, the community has an opportunity to submit arguments on either (or both) sides of the question. The disputant will collate these and present them in their strongest form, then offer a determinatio and responses to the arguments for the other side.

On April 17th, Junius Johnson (PhD Philosophical Theology, Yale University) will dispute the question "whether there should be ordained clergy in light of the priesthood of all believers."

We especially solicit arguments grounded in the type of church you go to: Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian, Non-denominational, etc. But don't just stop there: submit arguments for the side you disagree with, or that you have heard from friends or acquaintances. The more the better! Send arguments to [email protected].

Arguments must be submitted by April 14th to be considered!