Original scientific paper

Croatio ex nihilo in the prilosophy of F. Patricius

Eugen E. Ryan ; Department of Philosophy, East Carolina University, Greenville, U.S.A.

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between the concept of the creation of the universe (creatio ex nihilo) and the new philosophical enterprise Franciscus Patricius undertook in his Nova de Universis Philosophia, particularly in the Panarchia. In constructing his new system, it was essential that it be consistent and coherent. Consequently any view about creation had to be in accord with the other components of the system. Thus it is imperative to consider the way Patricius formulated the concept of creation, the philosophical bases for his position in this matter, the concepts’ harmony or lack of thereof with his other tenets, and the implications drawn from the concepts relative to the more general view of the universe. As a result of the investigation, it will be possible to draw out significant implications regarding such essential concepts as order, the nature of created being including corporeal substances, efficient causality, teleology, matter, and beauty, as well as »nothing«. The study will furnish a basis for examining two other questions: (1) can the concept of creation be harmonized with the central theme of the Panaugia, lux as the source for all being? (2) does the position of Patricius on creation represent a definitive rejection of the philosophy of Aristotle and an embrace of the philosophy of Plato?

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

76480

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/76480

Publication date:

6.12.1999.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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