Creation, Generation, Force, Motion and Habit: Medieval Theoretical Definitions of Nature

Abstract

In order to illustrate the theoretical definitions of nature commonly shared in the mid-thirteenth century in Europe, we translate and comment on the definition of nature given in the “Mirror of Sciences” (Speculum doctrinale XV, ch. 4) compiled by a Dominican friar, Vincent of Beauvais. While complex, this European fourfold definition reflects to a degree all the theoretical conceptions of nature used at this time, including the literary heritage available, some theological definitions and the new inputs from natural philosophy (Arabo- and Greco-Latin translations). It synthetizes the conceptions of nature, some of which go back to Augustine of Hippo (fifth century), to William of Conches (twelfth century), to Aristotle and to the medical school of Salerno until the beginning of the thirteenth century.