1st Edition

Aristotle and Philoponus on Light

By Jean De Groot Copyright 1991
198 Pages
by Routledge

198 Pages
by Routledge

198 Pages
by Routledge

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... Read more

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

Biography

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