Giordano Bruno: between geocentrism and heliocentrism

Abstract

In this article we approach the cosmologic theme dominant on the second half of the XVI century. Polarized in two antagonic positions: the geocentrism supporters, who defended the aristotelian-ptolemaic’s descriptive model, and the copernicans who defended the idea of a heliocentric cosmos. To present this debate we base ourselves in PLATO, 2001; ARISTOTLE, 2002; COPERNIC, 2009 and BRUNO, 2012; in an hermeneutic reading of the cosmologic discussion presented by these authors.  In face of this two descriptive views of the cosmos we take interest in investigate which position Giordano Bruno held in this scenario. In his works Bruno presents himself as a contumacious critic of the geocentrism, related directed this description to Aristotle, and as a defender of the copernican heliocentrism. The cosmologic debate of Giordano Bruno is displayed in many works, among them we can mention The Ash Wednesday Supper published in 1584 and L’immenso e gli innumerevoli in 1592. Bruno’s refusal of the aristotelianism is very incisive, but the same strength doesn't seem to be applied to the Copernican cosmological model. With that in mind we wonder what may justify the formulation of Giordano Bruno’s praise, with reservations, to Corpernic. It’s concluded then that, in spite of the proximity with the Copernican heliocentrism, is not possible to characterize Bruno as a Copernican.  Copernic remained attached to the concepts of the last sphere, hierarchical universe, for instance, definititions that are refuted by Bruno. Giordano Bruno’s cosmos is infinity, homogeneous and populated by uncountable worlds. These concepts were not inserted in the Copernican heliocentric cosmos.