History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps

Sabrina Ebbersmeyer, an Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen and expert in Renaissance philosophy, joins to discuss the intriguing intersection of emotions, reason, and the body. She explores Latin terms like 'passionis' and sheds light on how Renaissance thinkers redefined emotions, emphasizing their importance in rhetoric and ethics. The conversation also delves into panpsychism, linking emotions to both human and non-human experiences, while examining love through a Platonic lens and its connection to truth.

Discover the fascinating revival of Hellenistic philosophy through the lens of Epicurus, Lucretius, and Sextus Empiricus. The historical significance of Poggio Bracciolini’s rediscovery of ancient texts unveils the challenges faced by scholars. Dive into how early humanists passionately sought out manuscripts, revealing the value of books as intellectual treasures. Explore the transformative impact of Epicurean ideas on Christian beliefs and the intriguing debates between pleasure and ethics during the Renaissance.

Humanists from Bruni and Valla to Pontano and Castiglione ask whether ancient ethical teachings can still help us learn how to live.

Jill Kraye, Emeritus Professor of the History of Renaissance Philosophy at the Warburg Institute, dives into the rich tapestry of humanism. She clarifies its origins tied to Cicero’s 'studia humanitatis' and its significance in shaping educational reforms during the Renaissance. Kraye discusses key figures like Poliziano and their expansion of humanism beyond moral philosophy. The conversation also tackles the paradox of printing—balancing accessibility with textual integrity—and the complex relationship between humanism and Christianity, revealing how ancient thought influenced modern scholarship.

Lorenzo Valla launches a furious attack on scholastic philosophy, favoring the resources of classical Latin.

Discover the pivotal role letters played in Italian humanism, featuring influential figures like Coluccio Salutati and Petrarch. Their correspondences not only enhanced diplomacy but also mirrored the humanist tension between admiration for the classics and contemporary literary challenges. Delve into the rich interplay of rhetoric and skepticism influenced by Cicero and Plato, highlighting how these themes shaped the arguments of prominent humanists like Bruni and Salutati. An engaging exploration of ideas that transcend time!

Bessarion and George Trapenzuntius, rival scholars from the Greek east who helped inspire the Italian Renaissance.

Discover the fascinating intersection of philosophy and culture during the Italian Renaissance. The discussion reveals how the era is often misconceived as a mere rebirth, unearthing earlier intellectual revivals. Learn about the humanist movement and its role in civic life, alongside the impact of communal education. The revival of ancient texts, particularly those of Aristotle and Plato, sparked individualism and invigorated political conversations. It's a deep dive into how these themes shaped society and thought in a transformative period.

Join Michele Trizio, a research fellow at the University of Bari and expert in Byzantine and Latin Medieval Philosophy, as he unpacks the fascinating interplay between these two worlds. Discover how linguistic divides shaped the transmission of ideas and influenced thinkers like Aquinas and Augustine. Explore Aristotle's critique of Plato and the unique defense of Platonic ideals in the Byzantine context. Trizio also highlights the significant role Byzantine emigres played in Renaissance scholarship, weaving Greek traditions into the fabric of Western philosophy.

When the Byzantine empire ended in 1453, philosophy in Greek did not end with it. In this episode we bring the story up to the 20th century.