2016/08/11 by Alberto A. Martı́nez · 7 citations
Arts and Humanities · Physics and Astronomy · Social Sciences · #Archaeology #Belief in God #Classics #Context (archaeology) #Epistemology #Extant taxon #Heresy #Historical Astronomy and Related Studies #Historical and Linguistic Studies #History #Philosophy #Reformation and Early Modern Christianity #Theology
paper · doi:10.1080/00033790.2016.1193627
published in Annals of Science 73(4), 345-374 (Taylor & Francis)
openalex publication_date 2016/08/11 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/22
This paper analyses the importance of Giordano Bruno's belief in many worlds, including the Moon, the planets and the stars, in the context of his trial by the Inquisitions in Venice and Rome. Historians have claimed that this belief was not heretical and therefore was not a major factor in Bruno's trial or execution. On the contrary, by examining neglected treatises on theology, heresies and Catholic canon law, I show that the belief in many worlds was formally heretical. Multiple Christian authorities denounced it. A systematic analysis of the extant primary sources shows that Bruno's belief in many worlds was, surprisingly, of primary importance in his trial and execution. The evidence includes recent and newly discovered primary sources.