Matter and method in Marsilio Ficino's "Platonic Theology"
Item
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Title
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Matter and method in Marsilio Ficino's "Platonic Theology"
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Identifier
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AAI3296947
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identifier
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3296947
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Creator
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Snyder, James G.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Catherine Wilson
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Date
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2008
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Philosophy
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Abstract
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The Florentine Platonist Marsilio Ficino (1433-1499) has not traditionally been interpreted as interested in natural philosophy, if at all. Through an examination of the theory of matter in his Platonic Theology (1482), this dissertation argues that matter theory performs a vital function in Ficino's specific brand of Platonism. First, Ficino develops a theory of matter to purge the mind of its pre-critical view of reality. Second, Ficino argues for a theory of matter that stands in opposition to the more sophisticated arguments of materialists. For one, Ficino was deeply concerned with the rise of Epicurean materialism, which was occasioned by the rediscovery of Lucretius' De rerum natura in 1417. Concerning the theory of matter itself, Ficino holds what is called a "robust" theory of matter, according to which matter exists without form, can be known, and contains within itself the rudimentary forms of all things. Ficino's theory is framed by a discussion of Scholastic theories of matter that were held by Dominican and Franciscan philosophers and theologians. Also, Ficino's theory of seminal reasons, and his view of natural change are considered. Ficino held that the seeds of all things lie hidden in matter, and that natural change occurs "from within" a substance. Finally, the legacy of Ficino's theory of matter in the thought of Bruno and Leibniz is examined.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
