1.2 The Background of Early Modern Philosophy

The novel, set in 1327, follows Adso of Melk, a young Benedictine novice, and William of Baskerville, a Franciscan friar, as they investigate a series of murders at an abbey in northern Italy. The story is framed by a complex narrative structure and involves debates on theology, science, and politics. The abbey's labyrinthine library, which houses a forbidden book, is central to the mystery. As the investigation unfolds, William and Adso uncover a conspiracy related to the library and a hidden manuscript that could undermine religious and societal order.

De Rerum Natura is a six-book poem written in Latin hexameters by Lucretius. It sets forth the physical theory of the Greek philosopher Epicurus, explaining the principles of atomism, the mortality of the soul, and the natural explanations for various phenomena. The poem is divided into six books, each addressing different aspects of Epicurean philosophy, including the atomic structure of the universe, the nature of mind and soul, the mechanics of sense perception, and the origins of the world and human society. Lucretius argues that the universe operates according to natural laws without divine intervention, and he aims to eliminate fear of death and the supernatural by demonstrating that all phenomena can be explained by natural causes.

This extensive work, written in the late 2nd or early 3rd century AD, provides historical accounts and biographical sketches of prominent Greek philosophers. It divides Greek philosophy into two main schools: the Ionian, from Anaximander to Theophrastus, and the Italian, from Pythagoras to Epicurus. The text includes insights into the thoughts, contributions, and contexts of these philosophers, making it a crucial source for the history of Greek philosophy. Despite its value, the work is often criticized for its lack of critical evaluation of sources and focus on trivial details.

Cicero's "Academica" is a philosophical work exploring the Academic school of skepticism. It delves into the nature of knowledge and the limits of human understanding. The work is significant for its presentation of skeptical arguments and its influence on later philosophical discussions. It provides valuable insights into the intellectual climate of ancient Rome and the debates surrounding knowledge and belief. Its rediscovery contributed to the revival of classical learning during the Renaissance.

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Sextus Empiricus's "Outlines of Pyrrhonism" is a seminal work in ancient skepticism, exploring the philosophical school of Pyrrhonism. It systematically presents arguments against the possibility of attaining certain knowledge, challenging various claims of knowledge across different fields. The work is structured as a series of arguments and counterarguments, demonstrating the limitations of human perception and reason. It has had a lasting impact on epistemology and continues to be studied for its rigorous approach to skepticism. Its rediscovery during the Renaissance played a significant role in shaping modern thought.