History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps

Delve into the fascinating world of Photius, hailed as the 'inventor of the book review,' who played a key role in preserving ancient philosophical texts in Byzantine culture. Explore the intricate relationship between collectors and scribes, and how their efforts shaped the transmission of knowledge. Discover Photius's impact on the revival of Greek thought and his involvement in the Filioque Controversy. The podcast also highlights philosophical connections from Pythagoras to Aristotle, blending ancient wisdom with Christian thought.

Join Andrew Louth, Emeritus Professor at Durham University, as he dives into the life and theological contributions of John of Damascus. They explore the compelling relationship between philosophy and theology, emphasizing John's integration of Aristotelian concepts into Christian thought. The discussion highlights his expertise in navigating the complexities of Christ’s dual nature and his critiques of Islam, situating him amidst the rich intellectual currents of the 7th and 8th centuries. Louth's insights reveal the profound impact John had on Byzantine theology.

John of Damascus helps to shape the Byzantine understanding of humankind and the veneration of images, despite living in Islamic territory.

Explore the intriguing conflict of iconoclasm, where artists grapple with the distinction between representation and reality. Delve into the Byzantine debate over icon veneration, uncovering the philosophical implications behind both iconoclast and iconophile perspectives. Discover how theological controversies have evolved, influencing Christian practices regarding religious images. Finally, witness the fiery discussions on depicting Christ through icons versus words, revealing the deep-rooted concerns of heresy held by some. This captivating history highlights the complexities of faith and representation.

Exploring Eastern Christian philosophy's impact on translating Aristotle's works into Syriac and Armenian, delving into theological differences among Christian communities, examining the emergence of literal translations and debates on fate, discussing early Armenian translations and David the Invincible's contributions to logic, and exploring how Syriac and Armenian scholars preserved and interpreted ancient philosophical texts.

Delve into the challenges faced by the Byzantine Empire, from conflicts with Islam to wars with Persians, set against the backdrop of iconic Theodosian Walls. Explore Byzantium's Dark Ages marked by territorial losses, iconoclasm debates, and political upheaval post-Battle of the River Yarmuk. Unravel the deep-rooted intellectual culture of Byzantium, emphasizing its continuity with Roman identity and preservation of ancient Greek literature. Examine the intertwined relationship between philosophy and religious teachings in Byzantium, Latin medieval Europe, and the Islamic world, exploring cross-cultural influences and timeless philosophical inquiries.

Peter King, Catarina Dutilh Novaes, and Russ Friedman discuss their approaches to medieval philosophy, and its contemporary relevance.

Rachel Barney, Christof Rapp, and Mark Kalderon join Peter to discuss the importance of ancient philosophy for today's philosophers.

Bob Pasnau, a philosophy professor, discusses ideas about substance from Aquinas to Locke, Leibniz, and Descartes. They explore the continuity of scholasticism, the variety of interpretations within it, and the concept of substantial form. They also discuss the transition of substances, the survival of forms, and the 17th-century debates over substantial forms, including Descartes' dualism.

New paperbacks and a new series!