Synopses & Reviews
This book examines the genesis of Lutheran interest in natural philosophical issues by focusing on the reform of natural philosophy initiated by Philip Melanchthon. It suggests that Melanchthon transformed traditional natural philosophy into a specifically Lutheran one in an effort to refute civil disobedience and promote Luther's cause. It argues that an approach to natural philosophy by a dichotomy of "science" vs. "religion" is hazardous: natural philosophy should be understood as a study of nature, understood as God's creation, undertaken for Christian purposes.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 211-240) and index.
Table of Contents
Introduction; Part I. The Way of the Schoolmen: Part II. Law and Gospel: The Reforms of Luther and Melancthon: 1. Luther's reform - establishing the message of the Gospel; 2. Melanchthon's reform - law and philosophy; Part III. The Soul: 1. Defending Luther's cause; 2. The Commentarius de anima; 3. A Lutheran natural philosophy of the soul; 4. Vesalius and the Liber de anima; Part IV. The Providence of God: 1. The comet of 1531; 2. Astronomy, astrology and mathematics; 3. The Initia doctrinae physicae; 4. Lutheran providence; 5. Natural philosophical astrology; Part V. 1. Natural philosophy in the university; 2. Hearing, seeing and believing.