From the Nature of the Soul to Practical Action in the Thought of Pietro Pomponazzi

Abstract

The question of the nature of the soul, a major issue in the thought of Pietro Pomponazzi, leads to a reflection on the practical action of man. This chapter investigates the psychological ethics and the purpose is to show that, for Pomponazzi, the scientia de anima not only has a theoretical relevance, but also forms the basis of his anthropology, which in turn, underpins his view of ethics. The chapter first discusses Pomponazzi’s thoughts on the nature of the soul. Then, it focuses on Pomponazzi’s problematic description of the ambivalent nature of the soul, and his position in between mortal and immortal being. The chapter also examines Pomponazzi’s views of man’s distinctive goal and investigates Pomponazzi’s view of the practical intellect as characteristic of humankind. Finally, it talks about Pomponazzi’s conception of moral virtue. Keywords:immortality; moral virtue; nature of the soul; Pietro Pomponazzi; practical intellect