Abstract

Dante interprets for the modern world the Aristotelian via media between Platonism and pre-Socratic sensism that teaches the interdependency of the body and soul in the recognition and interpretation of physical, intellectual, and moral truth. Philosophical and religious dogma, secular and sacred verities must be perceived through the physical senses before they can be comprehended by the rational mind. This is an analysis of Dante's presentation of the poet's experiences during the extraordinary journey that is narrated in the Divina Commedia.