The degree of Doctor of Theology was conferred upon Peter Nigri by the University of Ingolstadt on 31 May 1473, marking a high point in a peripatetic academic career that traversed several European institutions. Known also as Peter George Niger and Peter Schwartz, he functioned as a Dominican theologian, preacher, and philosopher throughout the latter half of the fifteenth century.
Academic Formation and Early Career
Born in 1434 at Kadaň in Bohemia, Nigri received his education at various institutions including the University of Salamanca, Montpellier, and Bologna. He entered the Dominican Order in 1452 at Eichstätt, Bavaria, subsequently pursuing philosophy and theology in Leipzig, where he published De modo praedicandi in 1457. His public defense of theses in Freiburg during 1459 earned him further opportunities for advanced study in theology and canon law.
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Following his formal studies, Nigri engaged in extensive teaching and preaching duties. He served as the regent of studies and a philosophy instructor in Cologne in 1465, followed by a theological post at Ulm in 1467. In 1469 or 1470, he assumed the position of prior in Eichstätt. By 1474, he was lecturing in theology at a convent in Ratisbon, and he later secured a professorship in Old Testament exegesis at the University of Ingolstadt.
Theological Scholarship and Final Years
Nigri was an orthodox follower of Thomas Aquinas, focusing his theological output on logic and psychology. At the invitation of King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary, he relocated to Buda to serve as rector of the Academy of Philosophy, Theology, and Sacred Scripture. In 1481, he published Clypeus Thomistarum adversus omnes doctrinae doctoris angelici obtrectatores, a work dedicated to the king that countered the arguments of Scotists and Nominalists. He remained active in academic circles until his death in 1490.
Linguistic Studies and Controversies
Nigri gained proficiency in Hebrew by associating with Jewish youth and attending the lectures of rabbis during his time in Salamanca and Montpellier. He utilized this knowledge to compose anti-Semitic texts, including Tractatus contra Perfidos Judaeos, published in 1475, and Stern des Messias in 1477. These publications contained appendices featuring the Hebrew alphabet and grammar rules, representing some of the earliest instances of Hebrew printing in Germany.
Fast facts
- Born: 1434, Kadaň
- Died: 1490, Buda
- Order: Dominican
- Key Language: Latin
- Major Employer: University of Ingolstadt
- Notable Work: Clypeus Thomistarum
- Academic Focus: Thomist Theology
Questions readers ask
What were Peter Nigri's primary academic contributions?
He is recognized for his defense of Thomist doctrine against Scotists and Nominalists, and for his early role in introducing Hebrew language resources through his German-based publications.
Where did Nigri serve as a university educator?
He taught at several institutions, most notably holding posts at the University of Ingolstadt and acting as rector of the Academy of Philosophy, Theology, and Sacred Scripture in Buda.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Ingolstadt
