Aristotle and Philoponus on Light

by Jean De Groot

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781317380627
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/14/2015
Series:	Routledge Library Editions: Aristotle
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	198
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

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

Table of Contents

Preface 1. Philoponus and Alexandria: An Historical Introduction 2. Reconciling the Mathematical and Physical Aspects of Optics 3. The Propagation of Light Without the Passage of Time 4. The Propagation of Light, Impetus Theory, and Aristotle’s Physics III.3 5. Reexamining the Case for Neoplatonic Influence on Philoponus’ Causal Theories 6. The Physical Basis for Mathematical Demonstration in Optics 7. Mathematical Demonstration in a Mixed Science 8. Conclusion. Appendices: Analysis and Translation of Philoponus’ Commentary on De Anima II.7, 418b9; On the Interpretation of Physics VIII.3, 253b15-35. Bibliography. Indices

Editorial Reviews

A detailed historical and scientific analysis of John Philoponus' sixth century commentary on Aristotle's definition of light in De anima. Explores the interest Neoplatonists took in light as a noncorporal phenomenon in the physical world, the concept of travel without time, the physiology of vision, and other topics. Includes a translation of the commentaries. De Groot's 1979 doctoral thesis in the history of science at Harvard. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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