Abstracts
Abstract
This essay reads the performative aspect of the human being as rooted in their physio-psychological structure. More specifically, it enlightens a connection between the inner balance of the individual—which, according to medieval science, depends on the medical notion of complexio—and a correct choice of behavior that leads to performance. Performance enters therefore into the relationship between medicine and ethics, as exemplified in medieval scientific literature as well as in Dante’s writing. This article re-reads performative moments across the Vita nuova and the Commedia (with particular reference to the Purgatorio) and uncovers the scientific roots of performance both at the diegetic level and in terms of authorship.
Keywords:
- Complexio,
- temperament,
- behavior,
- Galen,
- balance,
- harmony,
- medicine,
- circle,
- Vita Nuova,
- Purgatorio,
- performance,
- ethics,
- authorship,
- ritual
Appendices
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