Nicole Oresme, Aristotle's On The Heavens, And The Court Of Charles V

Abstract

Nicole Oresme left two strikingly different kinds of interpretations of Aristotle's De caelo : one in the form of a traditional Latin questions and other a French commentary based on Oresme's own French translation of the Latin De caelo . The relationship between King Charles V and Nicole Oresme began when Charles was a youngster. Their most enduring relationship, however, was intellectual. It has been said that the reputation of Charles V was founded both on his prudent conduct of public affairs and his love of learning. Oresme opts for the common opinion of Aristotle that the heaven and not the earth rotates daily. He offers counterarguments against four persuasions in favor of the earth's rotation, as well as opposing other more substantial arguments in favor of axial rotation. Keywords: Aristotle; De caelo ; King Charles V; Nicole Oresme; On the Heavens