The Fulfillment of Science: Nature, Creation and Man in the Hexaemeron of Robert Grosseteste

Gasper, Giles E.M.

Abstract

Robert Grosseteste’s commentary on the six days of creation, the Hexaemeron, is one of his most extensive and detailed theological works. Composed during his time as bishop of Lincoln, it draws on earlier lectures, notably those on Genesis, and his scientific treatises. In the Hexaemeron Grosseteste provides a powerful definition of theology, arguing that it should not be identified as a science, but in the course of this definition deploying Aristotelian definitions with great skill. The Hexaemeron displays to the full the depth of range of Grosseteste’s reading, and provides, in its commentary on creation, the fulfillment of his earlier work, placing investigation of natural phenomena in the service of exegesis. This paper will explore pertinent themes for Grosseteste’s use of his earlier writing, and the implications of their subsequent interpretation. Nature, Creation and their interpretation by human reason allow Grosseteste wide scope for commentary, all grounded in the proper subject of theology, the unifying work of Christ.

Citation

Gasper, G. E. (2016). The Fulfillment of Science: Nature, Creation and Man in the Hexaemeron of Robert Grosseteste. In J. P. Cunningham, & M. Hocknull (Eds.), Robert Grosseteste and the pursuit of religious and scientific learning in the Middle-Ages (221-242). Springer Verlag. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33468-4_12

• Online Publication Date: Aug 30, 2016
• Publication Date: Sep 28, 2016
• Deposit Date: May 25, 2016
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Pages: 221-242
• Series Title: Studies in the history of philosophy of mind
• Book Title: Robert Grosseteste and the pursuit of religious and scientific learning in the Middle-Ages.
• ISBN: 9783319334660
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-33468-4_12
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1671976
• Contract Date: May 25, 2016