Scholastics refers to a method of learning and teaching that developed in medieval Europe, particularly within the context of Christian theology. It emphasizes critical thinking and dialectical reasoning, often using a question-and-answer format to explore complex ideas. This approach was prominent in monastic schools and later universities, where scholars sought to reconcile faith with reason. The term is also associated with the Scholasticism movement, which aimed to systematize knowledge and clarify doctrines. Key figures in this movement include Thomas Aquinas and Peter Abelard, who contributed significantly to philosophy and theology. Scholastics laid the groundwork for modern education and intellectual discourse.