STRUCTURES OF MATERIALITY: ROGER BACON AND THE CONUNDRUM OF PRIME MATTER

Reading Group on Theories of Matter, Winter Semester 2018. Venue: Institut für Philosophie (HU Berlin), Invalidenstrasse 110
Reader: Nicola Polloni – HU Webpage

How does alteration happen? How can processes of alteration be supposed between entities which are not in contact? And what is that thing we call ‘matter’? The reading group will engage with theories of causation elaborated by one of the most original and curious medieval thinkers: Roger Bacon (ca. 1214-1292). The group will read Bacon’s On the Multiplication of Species (De multiplicatione specierum), a fascinating work in which Bacon discussed his theory of causal irradiation of essential contents by (almost) every corporeal and incorporeal being. In an intriguing intertwining of ontology, psychology and epistemology, Bacon’s doctrine of the multiplication of species attempts at providing a unitary theory mostly grounded on the interaction among physical entities. One pivotal aspect, though, appears to be crucially problematic on this regard: the exceptionality of prime matter. Examination and discussion of the theoretical implications of Bacon’s theory of matter and materiality will display both originality and ingenuity of Bacon’s attempt at establishing a positive ground in which natural processes can lay.

The reading group will be in English. The reading session will be regularly followed by a talk/lecture given by international guests. Due to unforeseen academic reasons, the reading group will not meet regularly. An updated version of the meeting calendar is available online. For any inquiry or question, students are encouraged to contact Dr Nicola Polloni.

The reading group will meet periodically on Friday at 11am, sine tempore. After lunch, invited scholars will give lectures and talks on themes related to the topics examined by the reading group. These medieval after-lunch gatherings will take place at 2.30pm in Invalidenstrasse. Programme available at https://potestas-essendi.com/medieval-gatherings-so-se-2019/

NB: Due to academic reasons, the reading group will not follow a regular calendar! Further changes may be adopted in agreement with the participants.

Friday, 12 April 2019, Room 231
Introduction to Roger Bacon’s ontology and epistemology.

Friday, 26 April 2019, Room 231
Reading of De multiplicatione specierum, pt. 1

Friday, 3 May 2019,Room 231
Reading of De multiplicatione specierum, pt. 1

Friday, 10 May 2019, Room 231
Reading of De multiplicatione specierum, pt. 1

Friday, 17 May 2019,  Room 231
Reading of De multiplicatione specierum, pt. 1

Tuesday, 11 June 2019, Room 231
Reading of De multiplicatione specierum, pt. 1

Friday, 14 June 2019, Room 231
Reading of De multiplicatione specierum, pt. 2

Friday, 21 June 2019, Room 231
Reading of De multiplicatione specierum, pt. 2

Tuesday, 5 July 2019, Room 231
Reading of De multiplicatione specierum, pt. 2

Friday, 12 July 2019, Room 231
Final remarks on Roger Bacon’s De multiplicatione specierum

Roger Bacon, De multiplicatione specierum, ed. Lindberg, Roger Bacon’s Philosophy of Nature, Oxford 1983.

Additional material will be provided during the reading group.

A selected and updated bibliography on Roger Bacon can be found online at this link.