Observation and prediction in ancient astrology |
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Authors: | Daryn Lehoux |
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Affiliation: | History of Science and Technology Programme, University of King’s College, Halifax NS, Canada B3H 2A1 |
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Abstract: | What is the relationship between observations, predictions, texts, and instruments in ancient astrology? By distinguishing between two distinct kinds of observation claim in astrological texts, I show on the one hand the rhetorical and theoretical importance of each kind of observation claim to ancient astrological traditions, and on the other hand how practices of ancient astrology break from observation once astronomical phenomena become reliably predictable. We thus see a shift in practice from observationally derived predictions to a reliance on textual and instrumental authority, even though the rhetoric of ancient astrology still tries to maintain an emphasis on observation. |
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Keywords: | Astrology Astrometeorology Astronomy Divination Instruments Observation Parapegmata Prediction Rhetoric Signs Weather |
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