The Fulfillment of Science: Nature, Creation and Man in the Hexaemeron of Robert Grosseteste

Gasper, Giles E.M.

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-33468-4_12

The Fulfillment of Science: Nature, Creation and Man in the Hexaemeron of Robert Grosseteste

Gasper, Giles E.M.

Authors

Professor Giles Gasper g.e.m.gasper@durham.ac.uk
Professor

Contributors

Jack P. Cunningham
Editor

M. Hocknull
Editor

Abstract

Robert Grosseteste’s commentary on the six days of creation, the Hexaemeron, is one of his most extensive and detailed theological works. Composed during his time as bishop of Lincoln, it draws on earlier lectures, notably those on Genesis, and his scientific treatises. In the Hexaemeron Grosseteste provides a powerful definition of theology, arguing that it should not be identified as a science, but in the course of this definition deploying Aristotelian definitions with great skill. The Hexaemeron displays to the full the depth of range of Grosseteste’s reading, and provides, in its commentary on creation, the fulfillment of his earlier work, placing investigation of natural phenomena in the service of exegesis. This paper will explore pertinent themes for Grosseteste’s use of his earlier writing, and the implications of their subsequent interpretation. Nature, Creation and their interpretation by human reason allow Grosseteste wide scope for commentary, all grounded in the proper subject of theology, the unifying work of Christ.

Citation

Gasper, G. E. (2016). The Fulfillment of Science: Nature, Creation and Man in the Hexaemeron of Robert Grosseteste. In J. P. Cunningham, & M. Hocknull (Eds.), Robert Grosseteste and the pursuit of religious and scientific learning in the Middle-Ages (221-242). Springer Verlag. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33468-4_12

Acceptance Date	May 25, 2016
Online Publication Date	Aug 30, 2016
Publication Date	Sep 28, 2016
Deposit Date	May 25, 2016
Publisher	Springer Verlag
Pages	221-242
Series Title	Studies in the history of philosophy of mind
Book Title	Robert Grosseteste and the pursuit of religious and scientific learning in the Middle-Ages.
ISBN	9783319334660
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33468-4_12