Aristotle and Philoponus on Light (Routledge Library Editions: Aristotle) - Softcover

De Groot, Jean

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1138942359 ISBN 13: 9781138942356

Publisher: Routledge, 2017

Synopsis

Originally published in 1991. Philoponus’ long commentary on Aristotle’s definition of light sets up the major concerns, both in optics and theory of light, that are discussed here. Light was of special interest in Neoplatonism because of its being something incorporeal in the world of natural bodies. Light therefore had a special role in the philosophical analysis of the interpenetration of bodies and was also a paradigm for the soul-body problem. The book contains much about the physiology of vision as well as the propagation of light. Several chapters investigate the philosophical theory behind what came to be known as ‘multiplication of species’ in medieval light theory. These issues in the history of science are placed within an analysis of Neoplatonic development of the distinction between Aristotle’s kinesis and energeia. The book treats Philoponus’ philosophy of mathematical science from the point of view of matter, quantity, and three-dimensionality.

About this title

About the Author

Jean De Groot is Professor of Philosophy at The Catholic University of America in Washington DC.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1138942359
• ISBN 13: 9781138942356
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 198