We discussed the third programme in the BBC series “The Great Philosophers” (here), wherein Bryan Magee talks with Anthony Kenny about the work of the medieval philosophers and the contribution of figures such as St Augustine (354-430) and St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274).  Kenny mentioned briefly the works of St Augustine- “The City of God” and “Confessions”, the latter including his well known prayer, “Give me chastity but not yet!”  St Augustine integrated Christianity with Platonism, and Aquinas was concerned with eliminating the conflict between religious faith and Aristotle’s reason.  In keeping with the achievements of mediaeval philosophy he applied logical methods, though while Kenny defended his Ontological proof of the existence of God, it seems objections can readily be found. e.g. “existence" is not a predicate.  Our discussions picked up on the development of education through founding universities.  Scholars shared a common working language (Latin), and moved around various universities, sharing and developing knowledge.  As well as providing education, the church fulfilled many functions in the state and in the local community, which we perhaps miss in a post religious age.