Understanding and signification on Abelard's Tractatus de Intellectibus

• Grant number: 11/20258-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2012
• End date: December 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Philosophy - History of Philosophy
• Principal Investigator: José Carlos Estêvão
• Grantee: André Botelho Scholz
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (FFLCH). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This research seeks to comprehend the relation between intellection and signification from Abelard's Tractatus de Intellectibus. In this text, the philosopher tells us that "meaning is the same as constituting one understanding an intellection, but mean something is not the same as constitutes an intellection of it". To understand this relation will be necessary to look in Abelard's works for concepts and arguments that allow comprehending what are signification, understandings, and the relation between the two. We also seek support on Logica 'Ingredientibus' and excerpts from Dialectica. Lastly, we will try to check the validity of Jolivet's thesis according to which the Tractatus must be understood as a marginal essay on Abelard's works. (AU)