Seminar
The strange astronomical theory of Philolaus
Prof. Lucio Russo - University of Rome - Tor Vergata. Department of Mathematics
20 December 2022
Start time
4:00 pm
Polo Ferrari 1 - Via Sommarive 5, Povo (Trento)
Room A208
Organizer:
Department of Physics
Target audience:
University community
Attendance:
Free
Contact person:
Prof. Roberto Iuppa
Speaker
Prof. Lucio Russo - University of Rome - Tor Vergata. Department of Mathematics
Abstract
According to the astronomical system traditionally attributed to the Pythagorean Philolaus, the Sun, Planets, Earth and an invisible "Anti-Earth" would orbit a "central fire" that was also invisible.
This theory helped perpetuate the idea of Greek thinkers who, uninterested in phenomena, came up with strange conceptions based on aprioristic ideas.
A careful analysis of the sources shows that Philolaus had proposed an entirely reasonable system and that the traditional version is the result of a misunderstanding on the part of Aristotle, whose authority erased the memory of more valid alternative interpretations.
Download
locandina.pdf (PDF | 560 KB)