"Astronomy" or "astrology": a brief history of an apparent confusion

TL;DR

This paper explores the historical evolution and semantic distinctions between astronomy and astrology, highlighting their coexistence and changing meanings from ancient Greece through the Middle Ages.

Contribution

It provides a detailed historical analysis of how the terms astronomy and astrology diverged and evolved over time, clarifying misconceptions in recent scholarship.

Findings

Identified three interpretations of celestial phenomena in the Hellenistic period

Documented semantic changes from Plato to Isidore of Seville

Outlined the development of terminology distinctions over centuries

Abstract

The modern usage of the words astronomy and astrology is traced back to distinctions, largely ignored in recent scholarship. Three interpretations of celestial phenomena (in a geometric, a substantialist and a prognostic versions) coexisted during the Hellenistic period. From Plato to Isidore of Seville, semantic changes are evidenced and their later development is sketched.