Cause Principle Unity

Chronology
left vacant since 1588 (to which Galileo was subsequently
appointed). A climate of hope for toleration prevailed in
Europe, and perhaps the teaching of Francesco Patrizi at
La Sapienza, Rome, deluded him about the possibility of
enjoying a reprieve in Italy
1592 Imprisoned following three denunciations by Mocenigo
to the Holy Office. The Venetian phase of his trial, which
is well documented, was thus initiated; Bruno defended himself,
claiming that his teaching was purely philosophical,
that he was penitent and was prepared to renounce his
errors
1593 Confined in the Roman jail of the Holy Office; the Roman
Inquisition had obtained, with some difficulty, a transfer of
the trial from the Venetian Senate
1594 Following a new denunciation and new depositions, Bruno’s
position became acute. He re-affirmed the line of defence
adopted in Venice and presented a lengthy submission of
eighty pages (since lost) which was a turning-point in the trial
towards an unfavourable outcome
1596 A commission of theologians examined his published works
which had not previously been used, to censure heretical
propositions which they allegedly included and to report
them to the trial. Included were propositions concerning the
first principles of reality, the necessary connection between
an infinite cause and an infinite effect, the conception of the
individual soul and its relationship with the world-soul, the
motion and soul of the earth, the identification of angels with
the stars and of the Holy Spirit with the world-soul, and
belief in pre-adamites
1598 Summary of the trial ready
1599 After a long interruption, trial re-activated; on the suggestion
of Cardinal Bellarmine, eight heretical propositions were
submitted to him for his unconditional repudiation. In a
series of petitions and depositions, he claimed that he was
agreeable to the renunciation; however, he also became entangled
in the merits of the incriminating propositions by making
various distinctions. Thus, his position deteriorated until
the tribunal required him to acknowledge his errors. On
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