In a message dated 11/27/99 8:43:33 AM Pacific Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
<< I know I once read somewhere that there is no evidence that any
scholastic philosopher ever really contemplated "How many angels can dance
on the head of a pin," but does anyone know when this particular canard
appeared or who introduced it? (I did a web search just now and it is
definitely alive and well as a misconception about the Middle Ages...at
least I *hope* it's a misconception!)
Thanks,
John S. >>
I have more than once come across this question as a way of distinguishing
corporeality from existence. It is similar to the story of Jean Buridan's
donkey (will vs. desire?). I was physically present during a philosophy
seminar in which a question was raised of a similar nature that made me
suspect the professor of being frivolous, but now I strongly suspect that a
lot of philosophy seminars debate such questions with a straight face
(without mentioning angels). In medieval universities, angels seem to have
allowed for the entertaining lesson plans that science fiction can play
today: Albert Magnus, I believe, discusses how or whether angels
communicate, perhaps in the same way that we discuss "The Physics of Star
Trek." John Milton's reference to angelic bowel movements continues the
tradition in disquieting detail. Sorry I cannot provide any bibliographical
leads. Dan
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