History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps

Discover the vibrant world of 15th century Florence as Marsilio Ficino navigates the complexities of Renaissance Platonism. Learn how the Medici family became pivotal patrons, shaping the humanist movement and fostering intellectual growth. Delve into Ficino’s achievements in translating Plato's works and his collaborations with other great thinkers like Pico della Mirandola. Explore the interplay of art, philosophy, and political intrigue, revealing a rich tapestry of ideas that influenced a transformative era.

Dive into a captivating exploration of women's virtues through history, from medieval times to the Renaissance. Discover key figures like Peter Abelard and Boccaccio, whose works shaped cultural views on women. Unpack the role of gender dynamics in literature, influenced by Aristotle and Plato. Finally, meet feminist philosophers like Isotta Nogarola and Lucrezia Marinella, who boldly challenge misogynistic perspectives, marking a transformative shift towards women's empowerment in philosophical thought.

Delve into the world of Italian women humanists like Cassandra Fedele, Isotta Nogarola, and Laura Cereta, who sought fame through their eloquence. Discover their fight for recognition in a male-dominated sphere while balancing societal expectations of marriage and family. Explore the philosophical shift from pleasure to eternity as these women engaged critically with great thinkers, challenging notions of female inferiority. Their remarkable contributions reveal a rich tapestry of intellectual ambition amidst the struggles of Renaissance society.

Explore the groundbreaking life of Christine de Pizan, a pivotal figure bridging medieval and Renaissance thought. Discover how she fiercely challenged misogyny in her influential work, 'The City of Ladies.' The podcast dives into her advocacy for peace and women's virtues during 14th-century France, shedding light on her powerful insights on leadership and the role of women in society. Christine's story is a testament to resilience and intellectual courage.

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!