John Freccero

Dante's Cosmos (Bernardo Lecture Series) John Freccero

In this intricate but highly readable account of Dante's cosmology, Freccero notes that the Paradiso may be considered a medieval version of science fiction. However, whereas modern writers of science fiction tend to select a theme that will best illustrate a particular scientific theory, Freccero argues that "Dante chooses his science to fit his theme." While Dante incorporates many elements from ancient and medieval cosmology, his theological beliefs and narrative goals ultimately determine his structuring of the universe. Freccero elucidates these particular beliefs and goals as he demonstrates their relevance to the geometry of Dante's cosmos. In addition, Freccero explores the notion that Dante's conception of a finite but boundless universe anticipates modern theories of the cosmos.