The „Christian Natural Philosophy” of Otto Casmann (1562–1607): A Case Study of Early Modern Mosaic Physics
The „Christian Natural Philosophy” of Otto Casmann (1562–1607): A Case Study of Early Modern Mosaic Physics
Author(s): Jan ČížekSubject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Philosophy, Logic, Ethics / Practical Philosophy, Political Philosophy, Ancient Philosphy, Renaissance Philosophy, Early Modern Philosophy, Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Law, Rhetoric
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Śląskiego
Keywords: Otto Casmann; Mosaic physics; Christian natural philosophy; Aristotle
Summary/Abstract: This article aims to present a detailed analysis of the “Christian natural philosophy” elaborated by the German humanist philosopher and theologian Otto Casmann (1562–1607) in his various works. To this end, Casmann’s general idea of philosophia Christiana is discussed and critically evaluated. Regarding natural philosophy, or physics, attention is paid mainly to topics such as cosmogony and cosmology, which Casmann promised to have developed biblically and independently of the pagan (namely Aristotelian) tradition. However, when Casmann’s natural philosophy is analyzed in detail, his resolute emphasis on the literal reading of the Bible, the cornerstone of his entire concept, turns out to be problematic. Similarly, despite his resolutions, his natural-philosophical views are, to a considerable extent, still dependent on Aristotelian terms and concepts.
Journal: Folia Philosophica
- Issue Year: 2023
- Issue No: 49
- Page Range: 1-17
- Page Count: 17
- Language: English
