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Identifier

000465826

Title

Ο λόγος στη φιλοσοφία του Thomas Hobbes : η σχέση του Hobbes με τον μεσαιωνικό νεο-αριστοτελισμό και νομιναλισμό / Γεωργίου Φρουζάκη.

Alternative Title

The notion of reason in Thomas Hobbes philosophy and its relation to medieval neo-Aristotelianism and nominalism

Creator

Φρουζάκης, Γεώργιος

Thesis advisor

Τσινόρεμα Σταυρούλα

Reviewer

Καραμανώλης Γεώργιος
Τέγος Σπυρίδων

Abstract

The dissertation explores two main questions: (a) the kind of influence exercised by the two major currents of medieval philosophy, that of the Thomas Aquinas‟ neo-Aristotelianism and that of William‟s of Ockham nominalism on the philosophy of Thomas Hobbes; and (b) the internal relationship between the two pillars of Hobbes' thought, natural and political philosophy. Both questions are examined through the central category of Reason, as understood by Hobbes: Reason subjective in mathematical form, as the common method of science. Regarding question (a), the dissertation first examines the basic trends of moderate medieval realism through the work of Thomas Aquinas, followed by the direction taken by late medieval nominalism, particularly taking William of Ockham as its main representative. The distinct impact of nominalism is identified and explained. In this respect, the dissertation aligns with the dominant interpretative perspective. The critique of ontology through the abolition of universal substances, the emphasis on particulars, and the transfer of universality to the realm of language constitute fundamental premises of Hobbes's philosophy. Simultaneously, the dissertation recognizes evident influences from the strand of moderate medieval realism. These influences are encapsulated in the dynamic aspect of Reason, the focus on the geometry of tangible space (in contrast to the geometry of abstract space), and the level of certainty one can expect regarding the conclusions drawn from natural inquiry. Regarding question (b), the dissertation argues that understanding how political society is constructed requires a full comprehension of nature's functioning as a realm of mechanical motions of material bodies. A key concept in this context is motion, understood as a quantity studied in mathematics and geometry. The mathematization of Reason ensures its generalized application as a common tool for exploring various phenomena in both the natural and political realms, and for revealing the internal regularity that pervades these domains. This regularity extends to include the productive aspect of human nature. In this sense, humans can construct bodies and generate phenomena that contribute to the preservation of individual life (maintaining motion), rather than merely observing the sequence of natural events. The two pillars of Hobbes' philosophy (natural and political) are unified not only methodologically (through the analytical-synthetic method) but also in terms of content, as both revolve around material bodies in motion. In conclusion, what situates Hobbes within the modern framework and distinguishes him from the two central schools of medieval philosophy (despite engaging in an open dialogue, particularly with nominalism) is his adherence to materialism. The emphasis on the emerging natural science and the reliance on the mathematical method as a reliable and universal tool of inquiry and the production of phenomena are critical assumptions of Hobbes‟ philosophy. These foundational commitments guide Hobbes' entire thought and position him within the modern worldview.

Language

Greek

Subject

Analytical-Synthetical Method

Demonstration

Moderate Realism

Nominalism

Passions

Prudence

Ratiocination

Reason

Αναλυτικοσυνθετική μέθοδος