A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Earlier Philosophy and Theology in Karl Mesterton’s De Aeternitate Dei (1752);




AuthorsHelenius, Visa

Publisher Glossa - keskiajantutkimuksen seura ry

Publication year2026

Journal: Mirator

Volume26

Issue1

First page 23

Last page33

eISSN1457-2362

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Open Access publication channel

Web address https://journal.fi/mirator/article/view/179946

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/526581008

Self-archived copy's licenceCC BY NC ND

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract

In this study, I examine how Karl (in Swedish: Carl, in Latin: Carolus) Mesterton (1715‒1773) discusses and refers to earlier philosophy and theology in a dissertation De aeternitate Dei, ‘On the Eternity of God’ (1752). Mesterton was a professor of theology and a professor of logic and metaphysics at the Academy of Turku. He followed Wolffianism, which is based on the thoughts of the German philosopher Christian Wolff (1679‒1754). The research question is in what manner does Mesterton discuss and refer to earlier philosophy and theology in his De aeternitate Dei. This study is qualitative, and reflects how earlier philosophy and theology were conceived by Mesterton in the dissertation. In a broader context, the study is related to the question of how early modern research about the late antiquity and Middle Ages transpired in the Finnish territory in the eighteenth century. The conclusion of this study is that although Mesterton discusses and frequently refers to medieval theology and philosophy, he does not discuss medieval philosophy and theology in detail, and therefore his method of treatment is shallow. In addition, he shows no criticism; however, this was the usual practice at the academy.



Keywords:
Medieval Philosophymedieval theologyMesterton, Karl Wolffianism

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Last updated on 20/07/2026 03:33:34 PM