Scotist
/ˈskəʊtɪst/Theology
noun
A follower or disciple of John Duns Scotus; an adherent of his doctrines or philosophy.
- Duns Scotus was the first major theologian to defend the theory of the Immaculate Conception, and emphasized the limitations of reason on questions of theology. He opposed Thomas Aquinas in arguing that the first object of human understanding is existence itself. Duns Scotus' teachings fell out of favour in the 16th cent. for their fine distinctions, his followers being ridiculed as hair-splitters, but they retained popularity in Catholic countries during the Counter-Reformation..
adjective
Of, relating to, or characteristic of Scotism or the Scotists.
Origin
Mid 16th century; earliest use found in William Tyndale (c1494–1536), translator of the Bible and religious reformer. From post-classical Latin Scotista from the name of John Duns Scotus, Scottish-born Franciscan friar, theologian, and scholastic philosopher + classical Latin -ista.