Geomancy as a Paradigm of Operative Rationality in the Middle Ages
Geomancy as a Paradigm of Operative Rationality in the Middle Ages

Summary/Abstract: The paper examines the Estimaverunt Indi, one of the medieval most relevant geomantic treatises which is currently edited in the framework of the project «Foreseeing Events and Dominating Nature: Models of Operative Rationality and the Circulation of Knowledge in the Arab, Hebrew and Latin Middle Ages». Before dealing with the treatise, however, some general issues regarding geomancy are discussed. In chapter 1, in particular, the geomantic technique is described very concisely. Chapter 2 and 3 give a few historical indications concerning its scientific status, at same time stressing its differences from astrology. Chapter 4 raises the crucial issue of the relationship of the Estimaverunt Indi with the famous Étienne Tempier’s condemnation in 1277 and proposes a solution to this question. The final chapter suggests a few working hypotheses for future research on geomancy.

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