How To Apply The Modern Concepts Of Mathesis Universalis And Scientia Universalis To Ancient Philosophy, Aristotle, Platonisms, Gilbert Of Poitiers, And Descartes

Abstract

This chapter concentrates on applying modern concepts like mathesis universalis and scientia universalis to the Ancient Philosophy of Aristotle, Platonisms, Giland Descartesbert of Poitiers and to reconsider the available evidence so as to view seemingly well-known doctrines in a new light. To do this one needs to find an appropriate instrument for this, as Napolitano undoubtedly has; the new conceptual tool should not only be some kind of gadget, but should also be made to do real work. In the present case, a distinction between, rather than a conscious conflation of, mathesis universalis (common or universal mathematic) and scientia universalis (universal science), might help us to consider some well-known (though obviously often uncertain) doctrinal facts about well-known philosophers from a new perspective. It has surprising shifts of emphasis and the introduction of new distinctions may eventually cause us to ask new systematic questions. Keywords: Aristotle; mathesis universalis ; Platonisms; scientia universalis