Aristotelian Features in Medieval Oneirocriticism

Petrova, Maya S. (2025) Aristotelian Features in Medieval Oneirocriticism. RUSSIANSTUDIES.HU, 7 (2). pp. 239-250. ISSN 2677-1640

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Abstract

This paper is dedicated to the problem of perception of Greek knowledge in the Middle Ages. It considers how elements of Aristotle’s theories began to appear in texts by European medieval authors on dreams, visions and the occurrence of sleep, the extent to which these elements appeared and in what form. It analyzes the theories of William of Conches (De phil. mundi XXI - XXII), including his glosses on Macrobius’ Commentary on the ‘Dream of Scipio’ and also those of Pseudo-Augustine (De sp. et an. XXV). It is shown that their texts contain a synthesis of different, non-direct Greek ideas about psychology and physiology in which can be seen not only the influence of Platonic and Neoplatonic doctrines but also features of Aristotelian theories. The texts of William and Ps.-Augustine demonstrate a synthesis of Platonism, Neoplatonism and Aristotelianism incorporated into the Christian religion and culture. In creating their oneirocritical concepts, these authors have built an Aristotelian component into the Platonic theories already known to them about dreams and dreaming. This might have prompted later encyclopaedists (17th century) to use more materials drawn from Aristotle, Galen (and also Avicenna) that met the requirements of the Modern Era.

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