Universes and Worlds for Del Infinito

In 1584, Giordano Bruno published a new installment of his unified work, the Italian dialogues, with "On the Infinite: The Universe and the Worlds." The title itself suggests that the work sustains the expansion of Copernicanism towards an infinite and homogeneous universe through a systematic and merciless critique of Aristotle's finite approach in the treatise traditionally known as "De caelo et mundo."

Opposing Aristotle, Bruno establishes the existence of an infinite and homogeneous space, the receptacle of the infinite universe that eternally fills it with the infinite planetary systems, separated by vast expanses of space. This is in accordance with the necessary unfolding of the divine infinite power, which seeks to produce, in a complete and perfect expression of its infinite essence, everything that it can.

Having previously defended and adopted the Copernican heliocentrism, expanding it to an infinite universe in "The Ash Wednesday Supper," and after expounding the ontological substratum of this infinite and substantially one universe in "On the Cause, the Principle and the One" (both published in London in 1584; Classics of Thought 140 and 154), Bruno's new work continues his unified project.

In "On the Infinite," Bruno systematically and uncompromisingly critiques Aristotle's finite approach, replacing it with the notion of an infinite and homogeneous space that serves as the receptacle for the infinite universe, filled with the infinite planetary systems. This aligns with the necessary unfolding of the divine infinite power, which seeks to produce, in a complete and perfect expression of its infinite essence, everything that it can.

Bruno's work represents a significant expansion and development of the Copernican model, moving beyond the finite cosmos towards an infinite and homogeneous universe. This shift in perspective is a direct challenge to Aristotle's cosmological views, which had long dominated Western thought. By establishing the existence of an infinite space and the infinite systems that fill it, Bruno paves the way for a new understanding of the universe and our place within it.

The publication of "On the Infinite" in 1584 marks a pivotal moment in the history of science and philosophy, as Bruno's work continues to push the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding. Through his systematic and uncompromising critique of Aristotelian finitism, and his embrace of the infinite and homogeneous universe, Bruno solidifies his position as a pioneering thinker who has significantly contributed to the advancement of our comprehension of the cosmos.

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