Bruno's philosophy of the infinite universe as the antithesis of the finite systems of cosmology

Abstract

In this paper, the author will present the philosophy of nature (cosmology) of Jordan Bruno, in which the idea of ​​the ontology of infinity opposes the understanding of the universe as a finite, or limited system. To begin with, we will look at Bruno's style and method, as well as the influences that determined the direction of his opinion. Then, Bruno's position on the issue of Copernicus 'idea of ​​heliocentrism will be presented, as well as the reasons that prompted Bruno to criticize and overcome Copernicus' idea. One of the more important reasons that distanced Bruno from Copernicus was the difference in understanding the size of the universe. Bruno sees in the Copernican idea the remnants of traditional science in terms of methodological approach, and the core of Bruno's critique of Copernican teaching and the scholastic one will relate to the notion of the universe as limited, ie geometrically arranged. The geometric method, according to Bruno, limits the universe, and raises the question of the nature and meaning of the boundary, as well as the relationship between boundary and emptiness. Bruno will replace the geometric method with the so-called a natural philosophy whose essence is expressed in an intuitive and speculative perception of the general ontological position of infinity. In the last paragraph, Bruno's ontology of nature as a structure of the infinite will be presented. The conclusion or goal of the paper refers to the confrontation of limited systems of the universe and the universe as an infinite space and expression of divine power.