History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps HoP 463 Doctors without Borders: the Republic of Letters
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Feb 16, 2025 Discover the fascinating web of intellectual exchange in early modern Europe. Explore how scholars like Mersenne and Leibniz fostered collaboration through letters and learned societies, transcending social barriers. Delve into the contrasting ambitions of enlightenment thinkers and antiquarians, revealing a dynamic landscape of ideas. The Republic of Letters emerges as a quasi-state, facilitating communication despite political tensions, while pivotal figures like Hartlib and Descartes navigate this vibrant intellectual landscape.
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Memorable Prime Number
- Mathematicians challenged each other to recite prime numbers during a meal.
- One suggested the memorable prime number 12345678910987654321.
Mersenne's Contributions
- Marin Mersenne, like Boswell to Johnson, is mainly remembered for his association with Descartes.
- However, Mersenne was a celebrated scholar in his own right, contributing to various fields.
Rise of the Republic of Letters
- The Republic of Letters, dating back to the 15th century, flourished in early modern Europe due to improved postal routes.
- This fostered a culture of collaborative scholarship, aided by regular mail delivery.