Among most metaphysical philosophies we have learned this semester, topics such as causes and substances were mostly discussed. It should be beneficial for students to explore the scientific sides of metaphysics. We have learned a few philosophers and their thoughts on physics and astronomy, therefore I think a few extensions on these related topics will be rather inspiring. Francesco Patrizi’s argument on space could be viewed as a combination of Neoplatonic metaphysical concepts and scientific ideas. Patrizi’s thoughts on absolute space could set a foundation for related arguments presented by well-known philosophers such as Newton, Leibniz, and Galileo.
Portrait of Franciscus Patricius /Franjo Petriš, Francesco Patrizi/ (1580) in his Discussiones peripateticae. Edition: Basel 1581. United States Public Domain. Wikipedia Commons.