The thesis zeroes in on Herman of Carinthia and the role he plays in the first Latin translation of The Quran. It presents the historical era of Herman's personal and professional life, offers a glimpse of his education process, the passion for astrology and a close rapport with an equally renowned Ketton translator Robert. It emphasises Herman’s surprisingly subordinate role in a wider philosophical-historical discourse, both in Slovenia and worldwide.
Herman of Carinthia’s activity is set in the broader context of the 12th century. One can clearly recognize the shift in some of the existing widespread perceptions of the European medieval society at the time. It primarily focuses on the transmission of the Ancient pagan idea that is rediscovered by European intellectuals in the Byzantine and especially Arab texts. Consequently, the thesis concentrates on Herman of Carinthia, i.e., his birthplace which is a marked source of confusion among experts in this scientific field since they disagree on Herman's origin. The thesis attempts to critically evaluate various hypotheses of Croatian, foreign and Slovenian researchers. Additionally, it highlights Herman's schooling in Chartres with Thierry of Chartres and his meeting with Robert of Ketton which spurred a lifelong friendship. This is followed by an excerpt of his journey through the Mediterranean and a stop in Spain where The Quran was translated. Furthermore, the thesis focuses on his original work De Essentiis and his most significant translation of Ptolemy's Planisphaerium. It is important to note that Herman preferred free translations to literal translations. This is especially noticeable in the last chapter of the thesis which provides an illustrative example of two polar opposite translation styles, one of Herman and Robert and the latter of other translators.
The thesis is dominated by the chronological aspect which follows Herman's life path from the beginnings to his translation accomplishments in a cause and effect manner. The spiritual-historical method places his work in the broader context of ideas and philosophical initiatives of the 12th century.
The main objective of the thesis is to achieve greater inclusion of Herman of Carinthia in Slovenia and accentuate his legacy and methods utilized in the translation of The Quran, which is yet to be explored.
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