The dichotomy between 'practical' and 'theoretical' astronomy in ancient and late antique literature (original) (raw)
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It is necessary that I speak astrologically about the rising and the setting of the Sun and the stars … to exhibit publicly all the constellations of the zodiacal wheel … whose names are this: Ram, Bull, Twins, Crab, Lion, Virgin… Proclus, Ouranodromou, f. 11. the wisdom of the Chaldeans, a polytheist and singular human group, they are full of piety and practice astrology more than anyone M. Psellus, Scripta minora I, 446, 8-10.
Astronomy and Psyche in the Classical World: Plato, Aristotle, Zeno, Ptolemy
Joournal of Cosmology, 2010
The history of classical astronomy tends to emphasise the development of mathematical astronomy and the origin of astronomical instrumentation. Religious and philosophical issues are generally dealt with separately. However, the practice of classical astronomy was conducted within a context in which the cosmos was permeated with soul, or psyche. This paper examines the work of Plato, Aristotle, and Zeno, and applies theory of "psychological astronomy" to the classical world, so as to provide a context and and understanding of the motive for the development of mathematical astronomy, concluding with the work of Claudius Ptolemy.
Astronomy in the Odyssey: The Status Quaestionis
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