JOHN PHILOPONUS CONTRA ARISTOTLE: The Emergence of Consciousness in Light of Contemporary Cosmology and Philosophy
Scott D. G. Ventureyra
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that the emergence of consciousness is impossible in an eternal universe, drawing on John Philoponus's sixth-century arguments against Aristotle's doctrine of the world's eternity. Contends that much of Philoponus's argumentation is corroborated by contemporary cosmology and philosophy. |
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to examine the thought of John Philoponus contra Aristotle, as it pertains to consciousness and its emergence, in light of both contemporary cosmology and philosophy. It will be argued that in an eternal universe the emergence of consciousness is an impossibility. The inspiration for this line of reasoning is found in Philoponus’ sixth century arguments against Aristotle on the eternity of the world. It will be shown that much of Philoponus’ argumentation is corroborated by contemporary cosmology and philosophy.