Robert G. Morrison
Professor of history of science at Bowdoin College. Author of 'Merchants of Knowledge: Intellectual Exchange in the Ottoman Empire and Renaissance Europe' and 'The Light of the World: Astronomy in al-Andalus'.
Best podcasts with Robert G. Morrison
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Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 2min
Robert G. Morrison, "Merchants of Knowledge: Intellectual Exchange in the Ottoman Empire and Renaissance Europe" (Stanford UP, 2025)
In this conversation, Robert G. Morrison, Professor of History of Science at Bowdoin College, sheds light on his book about the vibrant intellectual exchanges between the Ottoman Empire and Renaissance Europe. He reveals how multilingual Jewish scholars acted as crucial intermediaries, facilitating the flow of knowledge in astronomy, astrology, and philosophy. Morrison discusses the economic value of manuscripts and how this transactional exchange shaped scientific and cultural advancements, creating a rich tapestry of diverse Renaissance thought.
Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 2min
Robert G. Morrison, "Merchants of Knowledge: Intellectual Exchange in the Ottoman Empire and Renaissance Europe" (Stanford UP, 2025)
In this engaging discussion, Robert G. Morrison, a history of science professor at Bowdoin College, unveils the fascinating world of intellectual exchange between the Ottoman Empire and Renaissance Europe. He reveals how multilingual Jewish scholars acted as key intermediaries in the flow of knowledge, trading texts that spanned astronomy, astrology, and philosophy. Morrison highlights the intertwined nature of religion and science, illustrating a Renaissance rich in diversity and collaboration, while reshaping our understanding of historical narratives and cultural interactions.
