The Modern Age and the Recovery of Ancient Wisdom: A Reconsideration of Historical Consciousness, 1450-1650 - Couverture rigide

McKnight, Stephen A.

Couverture rigide

ISBN 10 : 0826207812 ISBN 13 : 9780826207814

Editeur : University of Missouri Press, 1991

Synopsis

Conventional interpretations of the Renaissance have long held that the period signaled an epochal break in which science and secularization combined to form a distinctly modern consciousness. McKnight challenges this concept of modernity by identifying and analyzing a neglected source of modern consciousness: the "prisca theologia" tradition of Hermeticism, magic, and alchemy, which was revived as part of the Renaissance recovery of ancient learning. Focusing on Hermetic materials, McKnight discusses the key myths and symbols of the "prisca theologia" tradition and shows how they influenced the new epochal consciousness and contributed to the modern concept of man as master over nature and shaper of his own destiny. By analyzing major philosophical, theological, scientific, and artistic works, McKnight shows the pervasive influence of the "prisca theologia" on the main lines of early modern thought. He shows how Ficino drew upon Hermetic materials to offer a new understanding of man as "a terrestrial god" capable of controlling nature and perfecting society. Agrippa, Campanella, and Bruno are discussed, and Bacon receives detailed attention. McKnight compares Hermetic imagery and symbolism with orthodox Christian views in a detailed analysis of Giotto, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. McKnight's reinterpretation of these early modern works provides an alternative to Hans Blumenberg's account of the origin of modern epochal consciousness.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: University of Missouri Press
• Date d'édition: 1991
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 0826207812
• ISBN 13: 9780826207814
• Reliure: Relié
• Nombre de pages: 240
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: non disponible