This translation of selections from the De universo grew out of a graduate seminar on William of Auvergne held at Marquette University in 1995. It translates and annotates large parts of the De universo and of the De anima.

Seit dem 2. Nachchristlichen Jahrhundert werden die Schriften von Aristoteles kommentiert. DIese Ausgabe enthalt griechische Kommentare zu seinem Werk vom 3. Bis 8. JAhrhundert n. CHr., u. A. Von Alexander von Aphrodiensias, Themistios, Joh. PHiloponus, Simplicius in griechischer Sprache.

The paper discusses the passages of Vico's letters and "Scienza nuova prima" (1725) concerning Grotius and blaming him as a "Socinian". First of all, it tries to identify the sources which allowed Vico to see Grotius as a hidden Socinian. In fact, these sources exist and they are to find in German debates on Natural Right, since many exponents of Lutheran and Calvinian "orthodoxy" expressed similar doubts on Grotius. In particular, the works of Guilelmus Van der Muelen (1659-1739) may (...) have been influencial on Vico, since they considered carefully Grotius' view on the most ancient customs and rights as proofs that Grotius considered the most ancient peoples as better and more sociable than actual ones, a naturalist view which cannot be conciliated with the doctrine of the original sin and with the importance of religion for the acquisition of the virtue of justice. These sources can explain Vico's decision to elaborate his view of the origin of civil society, starting with the simplicity of the "bestioni" but who can arrive to civility only through the fear and horror for natural wonders (the thunder) and the religious awe derivating from it. (shrink)