REFUTING LOCKE

GERDIL (GIACINTHO SIGISMONDO).

L'immaterialité de l'ame demontrée contre M. Locke. Par les mêmes Principes, par lesquels ce Philosophe démontre l'Existence & l'Immaterialité de Dieu, avec des nouvelles preuves de l'immaterialité de Dieu et de l'ame, Tirées de l’Écriture, des Peres & de la raison.

Turin, 1747.

4to. Contemporary full mottled calf with raised bands and gilt title-label to gilt spine. A bitof waer to sxtremities. Internally a bit of light brownspotting. (22), 283, (1) pp.

Rare first edition of this interesting attack on Locke and his theory of the soul, in which the Italian theologian and Cardinal Hyacinthe Sigismond Gerdil (1718-1802) captures the essence of the debate between occasionalism and physical influence, which occupied much of the severe Locke-critique of the period.

Compared to other attacks on Locke, Gerdil's is considered very judicious and well reasoned. His discussion includes the physiology of the body, the nature of space, the nature of the soul, etc., and the most unique part of it is his account of Locke's theory of the motion of the soul.

Gerdil's work is considered thorough and fair towards Locke, displaying a thorough knowledge and close reading of the "Essay", and he is aware that Locke, though indifferent to the immateriality of the soul, was not out to prove the materiality of everything.

Order-nr.: 41449