IMC 2009: Sessions
Session 218: Heterodoxy and Ways of Knowing
Monday 13 July 2009, 14.15-15.45
Sponsor: | Graduate Centre for Medieval Studies, University of Reading |
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Organiser: | Anne Lawrence-Mathers, Graduate Centre for Medieval Studies, University of Reading |
Moderator/Chair: | Lindy Grant, Graduate Centre for Medieval Studies, University of Reading |
Paper 218-a | Demonic Inspiration and the Knowledge of the Future (Language: English) Index terms: Language and Literature - Latin, Learning (The Classical Inheritance), Theology |
Paper 218-b | Magic and the Knowledge of the World (Language: English) Index terms: Historiography - Medieval, Learning (The Classical Inheritance), Science |
Paper 218-c | The Visionary, and Knowledge of the Will of God (Language: English) Index terms: Ecclesiastical History, Hagiography, Theology |
Abstract | The intellectual revolution of the 12th century made available new tools (mathematical, theological and magical) for exploring the world. Questions such as the date of the Creation, the fate of the peoples of the world, and even the shape of future events, could all be approached scientifically. Such knowledge could also be dangerous, and this session explores key texts and figures to discuss ways of knowing and their attendant risks. Merlin is examined as a historic prophet, English chroniclers appear as students of computus and astrology, and St Colette of Corbie appears as both visionary and witch. |