Late Scholasticism, a school of thought widespread in European universities from the 15th century to the 17th, built critically on medieval Scholasticism, continuing its content, methodology, and institutions. The characteristic features of Scholasticism included (1) a tendency to develop the systematic rigor of a scientific approach strengthened by the reception of Aristotle (Aristotelianism); (2) a focus on authoritative texts (Latin auctoritates) with a special claim to truth a…