Abstract

BASILICO, Brenda. Knowledge and practices in early seventeenth century. The debate over different representations of universal harmony. Franciscanum [online]. 2023, vol.65, n.179, pp.4-4.  Epub Oct 16, 2023. ISSN 0120-1468.  https://doi.org/10.21500/01201468.6371.

The principle aim of this article is to reveal the organization, institutionalization and control over knowledge and practices taking place in several representations of universal harmony in early seventeenth century France. Firstly, we propose to observe the theological, scientific and musical foundations of this concept discussed by Johannes Kepler, Robert Fludd, Marin Mersenne and Pierre Gassendi. Secondly, we should examine the theorical and practical elements that determine the epistemological value of scientific demonstrations or experiences. Particularly, we try to avoid the path taken by certain historiographical interpretations that place significant emphasis on a radical distinction, even opposition, between the occultist’s tradition of a mystical and numerological harmony and the mathematical approach of the scientific revolution. In this manner, we can with justice consider the scientific and philosophical contributions and also the sociopolitical and religious consequences of this controversy.

Keywords : Harmony; cosmology; theology; epistemology; controversy.

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