History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps

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.

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.

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.