On Truth, Sight and Zoology: Reading Alexander Neckam’s De naturis rerum through the Anselmian Lens of Truth

Timothy Farrant

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Chapter 14 On Truth, Sight and Zoology

Reading Alexander Neckam’s De naturis rerum through the Anselmian Lens of Truth

In: Anselm of Canterbury

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Timothy Farrant

Timothy Farrant
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 301–327

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004716308_016

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Abstract

Through comparative reading, this chapter demonstrates the significance of the visual imagery of book two of Alexander Neckam’s De naturis rerum in relation to 1) Anselm’s use of the same imagery in relation to his theory of Truth in De Veritate, and 2) Augustine and Hugh of St Victor’s approach to learning and reading (where things are utilised to both apprehend and love divine Wisdom). Such a reading of Neckam emphasises the exegetical, rather than the scientific, nature of Neckam’s choice of visual imagery, and places Neckam’s examples on celestial illusion, objects in water, and the effect of a moon ray on a horse within a Victorine approach to the secular and the sacred. Arguing that Neckam’s primary interest lay in the secondary intentions of visual imagery, this chapter argues that De visu (that is, On the Act of Seeing) was concerned with spiritual rather than physical sight, where moralised exercises enabled the reader to enjoy, and delight in, divine Wisdom.

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Anselm of Canterbury

Nature, Order and the Divine

Series: Anselm Studies and Texts, Volume: 8

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004716308

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 11 Dec 2024

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Part 1 Monologion and Proslogion

Part 2 The Three Early Dialogues, De Grammatico and De Concordia

Part 3 Cur Deus Homo

Part 4 Eadmer and Epistolae

Part 5 Addendum

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Chapter 14 On Truth, Sight and Zoology

Reading Alexander Neckam’s De naturis rerum through the Anselmian Lens of Truth

Abstract

Citation Info

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Anselm of Canterbury

Nature, Order and the Divine

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