The local and correct pronunciation of the Berwickshire town of Duns is ‘dunce’ and the name may not be mocked for it arose in its other usage from the philosophy of one of the greatest intellectuals of the Middle Ages. Probably born in or near the town c. 1266, John Duns (or Dunce) Scotus was ordained in the priesthood in the Order of the Friars Minor in Northampton. They were popularly known as the Franciscans. Towards the end of 1302, John began teaching at the University of Paris. In his copious and hugely influential writings, he produced elegant arguments for the existence of God, the reality of the Immaculate Conception and much else. Scotus’s work was widely admired and his followers were sometimes known as Schoolmen or Scholastics. His work remains important and, in the 20th century, there was a significant resurgence of interest and admiration. Philosophers such as Peter King, Gyula Klima, Paul Vincent Spade and others acknowledged his immense contribution to western thought. But, in the 16th century, John Duns Scotus’s reputation was much dented. When his supporters opposed the work of Renaissance humanists and their fascination with classical – and pagan – philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato, and in particular the creation of the King James Bible, they were derided as Dunsmen or Dunces – people incapable of good scholarship. But modern dunces should be much consoled by their close association with one of Scotland’s greatest minds and one of our most beautiful counties.
Panel stitched by:
Embroiderers’ Guild Kelso Branch
Ann Bacon
Mary Bonsor
Elizabeth Cuthbert
Stephanie Dempsey
Kay Gardiner
Colina Harris-Burland
Tricia Marshall
Alison Minter
Margaret Mitchell
Pat Nicol
Tricia Reynolds
Anita Rhind
Rineke Sangster
Anne White
Helen Williams
Stitched in:
Coldstream, Tweedmouth, Hawick, Ednam, Gordon, Kelso, Duns