this issue
previous article in this issuenext article in this issue

Document Details :

Title: The Principle of Identity as the First Theoretical Principle in the Thirteenth-Century Latin West
Author(s): BERKERS, Marieke , GORIS, Wouter
Journal: Recherches de Théologie et Philosophie Médiévales
Volume: 88    Issue: 2   Date: 2021   
Pages: 441-485
DOI: 10.2143/RTPM.88.2.3290006

Abstract :
The introduction of what has become known as the principle of identity (A=A) as the first principle of theoretical reason is a foundational event in the history of metaphysics between Aristotle and Leibniz, which originates in the Metaphysics commentary of the medieval philosopher Peter of Auvergne (†1304). Peter replaces the principle of non-contradiction by the principle of identity, as he argues that only the latter would truly comply with the requirements for a first principle of theoretical reason. In the present article, we discuss the historical and systematic developments that conditioned this event and present a critical edition of the Latin text.

Download article