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532
MEDIEVAL ENGLAND
Oxford well illustrates the extent to which the study of logic
and philosophy rested on Aristotle by 1268. No coincidence
of greater moment for the advance of philosophy and theology
in Oxford could have occurred than the advent ofthe Domini/
cans and Franciscans just at the time when Grosseteste was at
the height of his academical career. His decision to associate
himself closely with the newcomers by consenting to act as the
first lector at the Franciscan convent had great historic issue.
Several outstanding masters of arts became friars in the
early
days of the mendicant movement. Robert Bacon became the
first Dominican master at Oxford about 1230; his famous
namesake, Roger, entered the Franciscan order about 1257,
and Alexander of Hales (d. 1245) while lecturing at Paris as
master of theology stepped down from his chair with dramatic
effect to assume the Franciscan habit.
At the time ofthe arrival ofthe friars theology at Oxford was
still closely identified with the study of the Bible; but by the
second half of the century a separation, based on Parisian
practice, was being made between commentary with its moral
emphasis and the discussion of theological problems. The
latter were being given their appropriate place
in the bachelors*
necessary lectures on the Sentences ofPeter Lombard. The way
was opened for the development of theology as a
speculative
science and for the more strictly exegetical treatment of Bible
study. The friars rapidly outclassed the secular masters in both
these fields and maintained this lead for the next hundred years.
as a
During this period Oxford had no superior in Europe
school of theological learning. The friaries at Cambridge
played a no less important part in the faculty oftheology there,
being reinforced for many years by able friars from Oxford.
It was inevitable that the intellectual ferment which the friars
did so much to promote should beget controversy. Disputes
with the university authorities soon broke out at both univer/
sities on account oftheir claim, by reason of previous training in
their convents, to be free to proceed to degrees in theology with/
out having previously incepted in arts. The question of the
meaning of evangelical poverty became a much vexed topic