HoP 458 - Outsider Philosophy - The Cheese and the Worms
History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps
Deep Dive
Why did Carlo Ginzburg choose to study the ideas of a 16th-century miller for his book 'The Cheese and the Worms'?
Ginzburg aimed to explore the popular culture of the time, using the Inquisition's records to uncover the beliefs of unlettered folk, which he saw as a way to understand a worldview distinct from the dominant classes.
What were some of the bold ideas held by Domenico Scandella, also known as Menocchio?
Menocchio criticized the church as hypocritical and saw most sacraments as money-making schemes. He believed in a materialistic cosmology where the universe was like fermenting cheese, and angels were like worms. He also denied the existence of an immortal soul and argued that divinity is found within every creature.
How did Menocchio's literacy and access to books influence his philosophical ideas?
Menocchio's literacy allowed him to access and reflect on books, including a vernacular Bible and a religious anthology. This exposure to written texts, combined with his own reflections, led him to develop unique theological and cosmological ideas that were not typical of peasant culture.
What role did the Reformation play in shaping Menocchio's irreverent attitude towards the church?
Menocchio's anti-clerical polemic and his questioning of traditional religious doctrines aligned with the Protestant Reformation's critique of the Catholic Church. His ideas were seen as similar to those of Lutherans, reflecting the broader cultural shifts of the time.
How did Paola Zambelli critique Ginzburg's interpretation of Menocchio's ideas?
Zambelli argued that Menocchio's ideas were more likely influenced by elite Renaissance thinkers, such as those in Padua, rather than being purely representative of popular or peasant culture. She suggested that his cosmology and materialist ideas could have filtered down from university discussions.
What is microhistory, and how does it relate to Ginzburg's approach in 'The Cheese and the Worms'?
Microhistory focuses on small-scale phenomena to reveal larger historical patterns. Ginzburg used this method to explore the ideas of an obscure miller, seeing him as a window into the broader popular culture of his time, despite the limitations of the available documentation.
Why did Menocchio's ideas make him a target of the Inquisition?
Menocchio's bold theological and cosmological ideas, which challenged traditional Christian beliefs and the authority of the Church, were considered heretical. His materialist views and criticism of the Church's practices led to his imprisonment and eventual execution.
How did Menocchio's cosmology reflect his materialist views?
Menocchio's cosmology depicted the universe as a mass of fermenting cheese, with angels arising like worms. He believed that neither the world nor humans were created by God but emerged from inchoate matter, denying the existence of an immortal soul and suggesting that humans are like animals after death.
Shownotes Transcript