罗吉尔·培根自然哲学中的质料多元论

Material Pluralism in Roger Bacon's Philosophy of Nature

“质形论”主张所有的物体都由质料和形式构成。该理论是前现代欧洲哲学史上最具影响和争议的理论之一。它在自然哲学和形而上学方面要面对诸多难题,尤其是质料和形式的本体论地位,以及自然物体(元素和混合物)的本体论构成。围绕上述争论,中世纪思想家罗吉尔·培根坚持实体形式多元论立场,通过主张每一种实体形式都需要与适合它的特定形而上学质料相结合,表述了一个更为多元的形而上学质料理论。这一微妙但根本性的视角转变,确立了一种新的作为自然变迁物理基底的“自然质料”概念,为研究自然变化开启了全新视野。

Hylomorphism,the theory claiming that all bodies are made of matter and form,was among the most consequential and controversial theories marking the history of premodern European philosophy.This theory was open to many issues concerning both natural philosophy and metaphysics,especially in relation to the ontological condition of matter and form and the ontological constitution of natural bodies(elements and mixtures).This contribution explores the curious intertwining of both physical and metaphysical levels according to one of the most original thinkers from medieval Europe,Roger Bacon.Particularly,the article discusses Bacon's stances on the plurality of substantial forms and his elaboration of a novel theory of material pluralism his Elements of Physics(Lat.Communia Naturalium).After a short examination of the main theoretical problems implied by hylomorphism,I discuss Bacon's adherence to universal hylomorphism and formal pluralism showing his original interpretation of these doctrines.His strong interpretation implies him to formulate a different theory of metaphysical matter by claiming that each substantial form needs to be joined to a specific metaphysical matter apt to it.While Bacon's claim preludes to a very generous ontology,it is also the key to a novel consideration of natural change and the position of a new ontological actor as substrate of natural vicissitudes:natural matter,a physical rather than metaphysical entity.