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Title: The Definition of Contrariety and the Classification of Forms in Dietrich of Freiberg's De Natura Contrariorum
Author(s): ROUDAUT, Sylvain
Journal: Recherches de Théologie et Philosophie Médiévales
Volume: 87    Issue: 1   Date: 2020   
Pages: 27-58
DOI: 10.2143/RTPM.87.1.3287583

Abstract :
This paper studies Dietrich of Freiberg’s analysis of forms in his Tractatus de natura contrariorum. The paper aims to show how Dietrich of Freiberg’s deduction of transcendental concepts in the first part of the treatise serves as a basis for his theory of forms. The first part of the paper analyzes the definition of contrariety in relation with the highest transcendental notions conceived by the mind according to Dietrich. Then, it is shown that this transcendental deduction of contrariety enables Dietrich to justify central theses of his system like the unity of substantial form. Finally, the paper studies how the criteria selected by Dietrich to define contraries allow him to produce a detailed analysis and a classification of the various types of forms existing in nature.

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