Species nei secoli XIII-XIV

Abstract

Abstract:

The crucial question, which inspires the theory of species, - according the latemedieval thinkers – is the knowledge of objects, which are not in contact or in front of knower; this theory implements the most advanced results of Alhazen’s optics and Grossetete’s epistemology onthe inheritance of Aristoteles, Averroes and Augustin; Olivi, Henri of Gand, Scotus, Reading and Ockham recognize both the influence and the ambiguity of Augustin position. Durand of St. Porcian acutely realizes the optical origin. Beginning from the last quarter of 14th century the more and more urgent criticism to species is associated with the most greater attention for the problem of knowledge of singular things, problem which is present since the young Scotus in the question of intuitio totalis.
This criticism is fed by the three aspects, which the Roger Bacon’s theory of species has not resolved, i.e. 1) the interaction among sensible species and intellect, which is spiritual; 2) the discrimination among absent object and absent species; 3) the relationship among singular and universal. The principle of economy is often used, but in different ways, for example, by Henry of Gand and Ockham against the spsecies, by Durand against the agent intellect, by Reading and Chatton against the Ockham’s habitus and in polemizing with Campsal. According to Scotus, the two thinkers, who are more adverse to species, are Gand and Godefroi of Fontaines.

Key words: Species intelligibilis; intuition; knowledge; epistemology.