Audio Anthology of Italian Literature Recording #6 Philosophy and Science in the 17th and 18th Century (G.Galilei -T.Campanella - G.Bruno -C.Beccaria) (selected works) Read by Moro Silo Running time: 45 min. Cassette $19.95 CD $29.95
In contrast to the decline of poetry, in the 17th century there was a wealth of prose. Galileo Galilei (1564-1642), who founded modern scientific research, based on experiment rather than abstract deduction and the rules set down by past philosophers, earned a place in literature thanks to his uncomplicated style. Philosophical writers such as Tommaso Campanella (1568-1639) were another highlight in an otherwise unrewarding literary century.
Giordano Bruno (1548-1600) is perhaps the best-known philosopher of the Italian late Renaissance. Ordained a Dominican priest in 1575, he was accused of heresy and in 1576 left his order; in 1592 he was imprisoned by the Inquisition. Refusing to recant, he was burned as a heretic. Bruno pictured nature in all its multiplicity descending from divine unity to matter and darkness. At once, he distinguished God from the world and yet tended toward a completely contrary pantheism.
The new ideas of Enlightenment in the 18 th century spread in Italy especially in Milan where the periodical "Caffé", the Verri brothers and Cesare Beccaria (1738-1794) inquired into literary, economic and civil problems with a modern approach.
GALILEO GALILEI: From " Il Saggiatore": De la generazione del suono ( 8'01'') TOMMASO CAMPANELLA: From " La Città del Sole" ODialogo poetico : "Tutte le cose son communi" (15'36'')
GIORDANO BRUNO: Un infinito universo (2'35") From " Dialoghi"- Dialogo 1 - De la causa, principio e uno Come parlerà il filosofo (3'15'') Un sacrilego pedante (5'21'')
CESARE BECCARIA: From:" Dei Delitti e delle Pene" Errori nella misura delle pene ( 3'26'') Dolcezza delle pene (5'52'')
