Explore Science-first Philosophy

STORY

The “Dark” Middle Ages

By Michael Alan Prestwood

Mon 10 Jun 2024
Published 2 years ago.
Updated 2 years ago.
Related Stories
Share :
The Middle Ages, from the end of the classical era to the Renaissance, is traditionally seen as intellectually dark due to the dominance of a single narrative over the unknown. It is characterized by the rise of belief systems.

The “Dark” Middle Ages

New Look

30 Phil, Chapter 14: At the start of part 2 titled “The Rise of Belief Systems,” we take a new look at the old debate of whether it was a “dark” time or not. The position we take is that the Middle Ages were “intellectually dark” due to the adoption of a single story. Philosophically and politically, the adopting of a single story for the unknown is dangerous and the dark Middle Ages stands as warning. 

— map / TST —

Michael Alan Prestwood
Author & Natural Philosopher
Prestwood writes on science-first philosophy, with particular attention to the convergence of disciplines. Drawing on his TST Framework, his work emphasizes rational inquiry grounded in empirical observation while engaging questions at the edges of established knowledge. With TouchstoneTruth positioned as a living touchstone, this work aims to contribute reliable, evolving analysis in an emerging AI era where the credibility of information is increasingly contested.
Email
Print
This Week @ TST
April 8, 2026
»Column Archive
WWB Research….
1. Story of the Week
Pragmatism
2. Quote of the Week
“Our statements about the external world face the tribunal of sense experience not individually, but only as a corporate body.”
3. Science FAQ »
Why do scientific models work if they aren’t literally true?
4. Philosophy FAQ »
Is agnosticism a ludicrous position to occupy?
5. Critical Thinking FAQ »
Do my people and culture help or harm my critical thinking?
6. History FAQ!
Did Berger and Luckmann really say reality is just made up?
Bonus Deep-Dive Article
TST Doxastic Formation: Public Belief, Tribe, and Worldview
Scroll to Top