=From the example of Daniel it is established that it is not a
     sin to be learned in profane literature.=[W]

(n) Whence Saint Gregory in his LXXXVI Division, and in many places.

(o) This entire section should be read with regard to profane knowledge according to Jerome, and the threefold reason why it should be acquired is shown:  namely that it be not neglected, that it be not unknown, that it may be refuted[X].  So we read some, as the Old and New Testament, that we may not neglect them.  Some we read (as the Arts) that we may not be ignorant of them.  Some, as the writings of the heretics, that we may refute them.  Some (we read) that they be not neglected, as the Old Testament.

(a) For although of no use yet knowledge of them is necessary, as in dist.  VII. cap. ult.

(b) As the books of heretics.  As XXIV. quaestio III. cap. ult.

(c) Geometry.  He does not mention Astronomy because this subject has fallen into disuse as XXVJ. quaest.  II.  Sec. his ita.

Those who are unwilling to partake of the table (d) [i.e. meat] and wine of the king, that they may not be defiled, surely would never consent to learn that which was unlawful if they knew that (e) the wisdom and learning of the Babylonians was sinful.  They learn, however, not that they may conform thereto, but that they may judge and convict.  For example, if any one ignorant of mathematics should wish to write against the mathematicians, he would expose himself to ridicule; also in contending against the philosophers, if he should be ignorant of the dogmas of the philosophers.  With this intent therefore they would learn the wisdom of the Chaldeans just as Moses had learned all the wisdom of the Egyptians.  So too:  If ever we are compelled to call to mind profane literature, and from it to learn things we before had omitted, it is not a matter of our personal desire, but, so to speak, of the weightiest necessity,—­in order that we may prove that those events which were foretold (f) many ages ago by the holy prophets are contained (g) in the writings of the Greeks, as well as in those of the Latins and other Gentiles.

     So, too, from the synod of Pope Eugene: 

     =Bishops should appoint teachers and instructors in suitable
     places.=[Y]

The report has come to us with regard to certain regions that neither teachers, nor care for the pursuit of letters, is found.  Therefore, in every way, care and diligence should be used by all the bishops among the peoples subject to them, and in other places where the necessity may arise, that teachers and instructors be appointed to teach assiduously the pursuit of letters and the principles of the liberal arts, because in them especially are the divine commands revealed and declared.

     Likewise Augustine in his book against the Manichaeans: