The Philosophy of Kenelm Digby (1603–1665)

This book examines the philosophical and scientific achievements of Sir Kenelm Digby, a successful English diplomat, privateer and natural philosopher of the mid-1600s. Not widely remembered today, Digby is one of the most intriguing figures in the history of early modern philosophers. Among scholars, he is known for his attempt to reconcile what perhaps seem to be irreconcilable philosophical frameworks: Aristotelianism and early modern mechanism. This contributed volume offers the first full-length treatment of Digby’s work and of the unique position he occupied in early modern intellectual history. It explores key aspects of Digby’s metaphysics, epistemology, and philosophical method, and offers a new appraisal of his contributions to early modern natural philosophy and mathematics. A dozen contributors offer their expert insight into such topics asBody, quantity, and measures in Digby's natural philosophyEcumenism and common notions in DigbyAristotelianism and accidents in Digby's philosophyDigby on body and soulDigby on method and experimentsThis book volume will be of benefit to a broad audience of scholars, educators, and students of the history of early modern science and philosophy.