Separation of Faith and Reason

The doctrine — associated with Ockham and others — that theology and philosophy are distinct disciplines with different methods and potentially independent conclusions.

Against Thomistic synthesis: Aquinas held that faith and reason were ultimately harmonious — reason could prove some theological truths (God's existence), faith provided the rest. Ockham's voluntarism: God is absolutely free — not bound by any rational necessity we can discern — so theological truths cannot be derived by reason. This separates theology from philosophy, making each autonomous in its own domain. Consequences: freed natural philosophy from theological constraints (contributing to the scientific revolution); elevated faith above rational demonstration.