Fragmented Nature: Medieval Latinate Reasoning on the Natural World and Its Order

The Latin Middle Ages saw a tension between order and randomness, idealization and reality in representations of nature, with two main tendencies: a reflection of God's perfection and a degraded version of the spiritual realm. This book explores this tension and the interconnection between learned and scientific disciplines in the medieval period.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Latin Middle Ages were a time of remarkable diversity in the representations of nature, with a wide range of conceptualizations developed across various disciplines. These interpretations resulted in a fragmented portrayal of the natural world, reflecting the specific needs and perspectives of different fields. Despite this multiplicity, two primary tendencies emerged. On the one hand, nature was perceived as a reflection of God's perfection, teleologically ordered and structurally harmonious. On the other, it was seen as a degraded version of the spiritual realm, a world of impeccable ideas, separate substances, and celestial movers.

This book delves into the intricate interplay between order and randomness, idealization and reality, and explores the rich doctrinal and semantic dimensions of the medieval concept of nature. It provides a comprehensive profile of the doctrinal and semantic richness of the medieval idea of nature, highlighting the structural interconnectedness between learned and scientific disciplines during the medieval period. This book appeals to scholars and students interested in Medieval European History, Theology, Philosophy, and Science, offering a valuable insight into the complex relationship between these disciplines and their understanding of nature during this transformative era.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367557041