Ars et methodus

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Sandra Bihlmaier presents a historical and philosophical analysis of Philipp Melanchthon’s concept of method and philosophy. Through a detailed inquiry into Melanchthon’s textbooks on dialectic and rhetoric, the work uncovers the emergence and development of a method underlying an encyclopedic understanding of philosophy. It reveals the traditions of rhetoric and dialectic that Melanchthon draws upon, alongside his original reinterpretation of these traditions. This transformation of essential concepts is contextualized within the changing canon of arts and sciences during the European Renaissance, which significantly influences the understanding and applicability of this canon. Melanchthon’s concept is crucial for grasping the 16th-century definition of philosophy, as he seeks to integrate usefulness and general applicability into a previously theoretical discipline, showcasing the richness of his philosophical program. His project is pertinent for understanding philosophy beyond contemporary categories, highlighting two historiographical aspects: it warns against applying modern definitions of philosophy to historical works from different contexts, and it encourages readers to reflect on their own understanding of philosophy and its underlying assumptions.