Research
LECTIO forms an institutional framework for interdisciplinary research around a common programme (Intellectual History), developed in a more concrete way as research on a common theme (authority) for the coming years, to be followed by other common research themes afterwards.
It has become fashionable to understand the rupture of the 16th century as a transition from the authority of texts and authors (auctoritates), towards the authority of empirical data. This view is, of course, inspired by what early modern thinkers themselves asserted. Yet are they to be taken at their word? And how exactly did the authority of texts function? Was there a single unchanging view concerning authority? Convictions about the way in which one deals with authoritative texts, the way in which authorities are invoked in arguing, the importance attributed to the reception (or commentary tradition) of the authoritative texts, etc., are all pointers to understanding what it means to be an authority. And those convictions can be shown to vary throughout history, thus indicating that the concept of authority itself changes.
The pre-modern notion of authority had a very broad range of applications, which can be systematized into three large areas: (I) a hermeneutical one, attributing authority to authors and texts, and allowing the interpretation of these authorities; (II) an epistemological one, hinging around the discussion on the role of the senses in scientific enquiry, over against the authority of previous scientists; and (III) a political one, viewing authority in its institutionalized form.
Our research is focused on these areas, each including several case studies:
I. Authority and Text Reception
Case Studies:
I.1 Transmission of authoritative texts
I.2 Biography and historiography as claims to authority
Case Studies:
II.1 The authority of scientific texts
II.2 Authority and sense perception
II.3 Authority and innovation
III. Authority and Institution
Case Studies:
III.1 Treatises 'On kingship'
III.2 Self-legitimiziation and canonization
Some case studies are carried out within specific research projects.
