History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps HoP 324 - United We Fall - Latin Philosophy in Byzantium
May 5, 2019
Explore how Thomas Aquinas's ideas captivated Byzantine scholars at a pivotal time in their empire. The podcast dives into the rich cultural exchanges between the Latin West and the Greek East during the Byzantine era, covering intense theological debates and controversies. Learn about the Hesychast controversy and the influence of Latin philosophers like Augustine. The discussion extends to the complex interplay between divine foreknowledge and human freedom, showcasing the dynamic intellectual landscape of medieval thought.
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Latin Philosophy Enters Byzantium
- Latin philosophy influenced Byzantine thought through translations back into Greek, reversing the usual flow from Greek to Latin.
- This marks a significant late interaction between Western scholasticism and Eastern Byzantine intellectual traditions.
Byzantine-Latin Church Divisions
- The Byzantine and Latin churches were divided by deep theological disagreements despite frequent cultural exchanges.
- Issues such as the Filioque clause, icon veneration, Eucharistic bread, and purgatory blocked church unity.
The Sacred Arsenal’s Fierce Critique
- The Byzantine scholar Andronikos Camateros wrote The Sacred Arsenal criticizing Latin Christians using over 1,000 texts and 200 arguments.
- Anselm of Canterbury similarly wrote against Greek theology, showing intense reciprocal theological disputes.
