Philosophical aesthetics in Lignum vitae by Bonaventure of Bagnoregio
Philosophical aesthetics in Lignum vitae by Bonaventure of Bagnoregio
In order to comprehend the meaning of Bonaventure’s aesthetics, the first requirement is to outline its structural elements. It has three parts, containing reflections on the origin, the mystery of death and glorification of Jesus Christ. Each part is divided into twelve “fruits”, the equivalent of chapters.
In terms of theme, the work refers primarily to the compassion and humility toward Christ, and secondarily to acquiring virtues obtained through contemplation.
In Bonaventure’s philosophical thinking, it is impossible to pinpoint an aesthetic approach in the current meaning of this concept.
Nonetheless, it is still possible to discover several starting points for elaborating reflections that can be included within the double perspective of a philosophy of beauty and of a theme such as the Tree of Life. It is almost redundant to remind that these conceptual approaches should always be analyzed taking into account the context of their emergence.
Keywords: Bonaventure, Arbor vitae, aesthetics, philosophy, reflections, mystery, contemplation, perspective, beauty
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Periodicals:
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