Collana | Knowledge Hegemonies in the Early Modern World
Volume 5 | Monografia | The Trial Against Atheism in Naples (1688-1697)
The Trial Against Atheism in Naples (1688-1697)
Chronology and Documentation
open access | peer reviewed- Leendert Spruit - Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands - email
Abstract
In the period between 1688 and 1697 Naples was the stage of a large-scale inquisitorial trial against a group of intellectuals accused of atomism and atheism. The documentation presented here reveals that ‘atomism’ was used as both an ideological and defamatory label. The introduction and spread of modern scientific and philosophical ideas in Naples was in fact linked to a broader cultural renewal. ‘Atomism’ was thus used as a rallying cry by liberals, and viewed by their adversaries as a convenient doctrine to attack. Eventually, the Inquisition not only succeeded in preserving the practice of regular inquisitorial activities within the Kingdom but also established a precedent through a series of imprisonments and abjurations. This precedent served as a cautionary measure and deterrent against those engaged in innovative research endeavours.
Keywords Inquisition • Cultural innovation • Naples • Atheism • Atomism
Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/978-88-6969-843-9 | e-ISBN 978-88-6969-843-9 | ISBN (PRINT) 978-88-6969-844-6 | Pubblicato 13 Dicembre 2024 | Accettato 29 Luglio 2024 | Presentato 10 Gennaio 2024 | Lingua en
Copyright © 2024 Leendert Spruit. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
