History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps HoP 325 - Platonic Love - Gemistos Plethon
May 19, 2019
Explore the intriguing life of Gemistos Plethon, a key figure straddling Christian and pagan beliefs in Byzantine thought. Discover his unorthodox views on Neoplatonism and his visions for political reform. Delve into the philosophical clash between divine providence and determinism as it relates to ancient and Christian principles. Lastly, see how Plethon’s ideas influenced the Renaissance, linking the rich tapestry of Byzantine philosophy to modern thinking.
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Plethon's Neoplatonic Paganism
- Gemistos Plethon embraced a Neoplatonic metaphysics with a pantheon of gods, seeing Zeus as the highest divine principle.
- He challenged orthodox Christianity by reviving pagan philosophy as a metaphysical system.
Pliton's Shocking Religious Prediction
- Pliton predicted a future unified religion neither Christian nor Islamic but pagan during the Council of Ferrara and Florence.
- This controversial claim came from his rival George of Trebizond, who was strongly opposed to Pliton.
Plethon Inspires Renaissance Humanism
- Pliton influenced the Italian Renaissance by inspiring figures like Cosimo de' Medici and Leonardo Bruni.
- His engagement helped revive Greek philosophy and shaped Renaissance Platonism.
