Editing Louis IX of France (section)

=== Scholarship and learning ===
[[File:Tommaso_-_Summa_theologica,_1596_-_4593718.tif|thumb|A copy of Thomas Aquinas's "Summa theologica", widely regarded as the epitome of medieval, scholastic and Christian theology]]

The reign of Louis IX coincided with a remarkable intellectual flourishing in France, particularly in Paris, which emerged as Europe's pre-eminent center of learning during Louis's reign.
Scholars like [[William of Auvergne]] played a crucial role in shaping the intellectual landscape of Europe during his reign. William of Auvergne's monumental ''Magisterium divinale'' (1223–1240) attempted to reconcile [[Aristotelian philosophy]] with Christian doctrine, particularly challenges posed by Arabic commentaries on Aristotle. He was greatly favored by the crown and also served as a member of the regency council that ruled France in absence of the king during the seventh crusade.<ref>[[William of Auvergne]]</ref>

Perhaps greatest of all the intellectual minds active in France during Louis's reign was the theologian [[Thomas Aquinas]]. Aquinas's association with Paris represents one of the most fruitful collaborations between scholasticism and intellectual endeavor. Though Italian by birth, Aquinas conducted his most important work at the [[University of Paris]], where he held the Dominican chair in theology twice (1256–1259 and 1269–1272). His [[Summa Theologica]], widely considered to be the epitome of medieval scholastic theology, synthesized Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology in an unprecedented systematic framework at a time when Aristotle was just getting popular in Europe again.<ref>Gilson, Etienne (1991). The Spirit of Medieval Philosophy (Gifford Lectures 1933–35). Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame Press. p. 490. ISBN 978-0-268-01740-8.</ref> 

Another major scholastic figure,the German Dominican [[Albertus Magnus]], was also active at the University of Paris from 1245 to 1248. His experimental approach to natural sciences, exemplified by botanical studies and mineralogical investigations, prefigured later scientific methods while maintaining a theological framework.<ref>Harran, Marilyn J. "Albertus Magnus, Saint." World Book Student. World Book, 2013. Web. Feb. 27, 2013.</ref>Louis IX's support for Dominican institutions facilitated Albertus's work, which helped transform Paris into the primary center for Aristotelian studies.