1001Philosophers

Jean Gerson 1363 – 1429

Jean Gerson (1363 – 1429) was a French philosopher of the Medieval era, associated with Scholasticism, Medieval Philosophy, and Christian Philosophy.

Jean Charlier de Gerson was a French theologian, mystic, and chancellor of the University of Paris and one of the leading figures of the late medieval conciliar movement. He played a central role at the Council of Constance, which ended the Western Schism and condemned the doctrines of Hus and Wycliffe. His many treatises developed both the philosophical case for conciliarism, the doctrine that a general council of the Church is superior in authority to the pope, and a practical theology of mystical experience accessible to ordinary Christians. He spent his last years in exile teaching children at Lyon.

Key facts

Nationality
French
Era
Medieval
Movements
Scholasticism, Medieval Philosophy, Christian Philosophy

Selected quotes

  • Attributed to Jean Gerson:

    “The good of the Church is greater than the will of any pope.”

  • Attributed to Jean Gerson:

    “Mystical theology is the science of love.”

  • Attributed to Jean Gerson:

    “True devotion seeks not its own consolation but the glory of God.”

  • Attributed to Jean Gerson:

    “A council, not the pope alone, is the supreme authority of the Church.”

  • Attributed to Jean Gerson:

    “Mystical theology is open to the simple as well as to the learned.”

Read all Jean Gerson quotes

Jean Gerson by topic

Frequently asked about Jean Gerson

When did Jean Gerson live?
Jean Gerson was born in 1363 and died in 1429.
Where was Jean Gerson from?
Jean Gerson was a French philosopher of the Medieval era.
What philosophical movements is Jean Gerson associated with?
Jean Gerson was associated with Scholasticism, Medieval Philosophy, and Christian Philosophy.
What was Jean Gerson known for?
Jean Charlier de Gerson was a French theologian, mystic, and chancellor of the University of Paris and one of the leading figures of the late medieval conciliar movement.
How many quotes are attributed to Jean Gerson?
There are 6 attributed quotations from Jean Gerson in the 1001Philosophers collection, organized by topic.