November 8 is the anniversary of the death of John Duns Scotus and a day now recognized, albeit as an obscure holiday, as “Dunce Day”. I have yet to find any organization who formally celebrates being a “dunce”.
Scotus was a medieval scholar educated at Oxford. He was also philosopher and theologian. Born in Duns, Scotland in 1308, he became known as the originator of the “dunce cap”. This was a conical cap, probably made out of felt or other materials that kept it rigid in an upright position and with the letter “D” or “Dunce” imprinted on it. He believed that the cone shaped hat would funnel knowledge into the brains of students.
Scotus was also educated at Oxford University and, on March 17, 1991, also ordained as a priest or friar into the Order of Friars Minor, also known as the Franciscans, at Saint Andrew’s Priory in Northampton, England. He wrote several books and his philosophy was popular during his time, although it was somewhat convoluted and hard to understand. Even so, he had a following of people who agreed with him called “Dunsmen”. However, he fell out of favor with the King of France when he disagreed with him and sided with the pope during a dispute and was expelled from the country. His beliefs soon became a target of derision and jokes. The “dunce cap”, once believed to make people smart was instead used as a method of calling someone stupid.
Later, the use of a dunce cap was used to punish, embarrass, or humiliate someone who had said or done something considered brainless or dumb. Many schools also utilized the cap, making students sit on a stool in the corner of the room while the rest of his classmates made fun of him (or her). Although I do not remember wearing a dunce cap myself (and, if I did, I have probably blocked out that event), I do remember certain students in my school that seemed to wear one quite often in different classes. However, many felt the use of a dunce cap forced the student to learn his lessons, just so he would not have to wear it again.
Today, the dunce cap is not used in schools; however, the term “dunce” is still used quite frequently when referring to a person or group that has been viewed as doing something unintelligent. It is habitually applied to government officials or organizations. It is also used in jokes, cartoons, and books while poking fun at someone. It is interesting to note that April Fool’s Day, celebrated on the first of the month, is often characterized by people wearing a dunce cap.
Similarly, some of the other days designated as a holiday should be added to the same listing that Dunce Day is on as being a “dunce holiday. Examples of these days are “Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day”, “Run up the Flagpole and See if Anyone Salutes Day”, Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friend’s Day, and “Be Nasty Day”. The list is almost endless and proves that perhaps there are far too many “dunces” in the world.
Sources:
John Duns Scotus – (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy), First published Thu May 31, 2001; substantive revision Fri Sep 21, 2007
