History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps

Luis de Molina, a key figure in 17th-century philosophy, is spotlighted for his controversial doctrine of 'middle knowledge,' which addresses the tension between human free will and divine foreknowledge. The discussion reveals how Molina’s ideas challenged traditional views and sparked fierce debates among Catholic thinkers. The conflict between Molina and his Dominican counterpart, Báñez, highlights the theological rift over free will and grace, echoing through centuries of discussion on moral responsibility and agency.

Exploring the intersection of art history and philosophy in the Northern and Italian Renaissance era through the works of Dürer and Michelangelo. Analyzing artistic responses to Luther's ideas, humanism, symbolism, and individualism in Renaissance artworks. Interpreting Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel paintings in connection to philosophical and religious themes like Platonism and divine transcendence.

Anna Tropia, expert on Jesuit philosophy, discusses how Jesuit thinkers broke new ground with their erudition and eclecticism. Topics include the unique scholastic philosophy of Jesuits, exploration of lesser-known Jesuit philosophers, and debates on intellect's direct perception of singulars vs universals.

Explore the School of Salamanca founded by Francisco Vitoria and the intellectual legacy it left behind. Learn about the Iberian Scholastic thinkers such as Francisco Suarez and their unique perspectives on universals, individuation, and knowledge. Dive into the influence of Scholastic ideas spreading beyond Europe to places like Asia with figures like Matteo Ricci.

Andrés Messmer, Spanish Protestantism researcher, discusses the challenges faced by Spanish Protestants, their scholarly background, integration of philosophy into their beliefs, and the influence of figures like Juan de Valdez. The podcast explores the unique historical context of Spanish Protestantism amidst Catholic dominance and the Inquisition.

Exploring Aquinas' central role in Counter-Reformation thought, focusing on analogy and the soul. Dominican scholars defend Aquinas' legacy, debating his unity of form theory and human soul variations. Philosophical disagreements among followers of Aquinas and the scholastic tradition in Portugal are also highlighted.

The podcast explores how Jesuits influenced philosophers like Descartes, Vico, and Foucault through their educational network. It discusses Ignatius Loyola's spiritual journey, Jesuit missions in different continents, embrace of the heliocentric theory, and development of casualistry and mental reservation for ethical dilemmas.

Explore the boundary-pushing spirituality of Teresa of Ávila and John of the Cross in Spanish mysticism. Dive into their philosophically informed accounts of mystical experience, societal constraints faced by female mystics like Teresa, the influence of Carmelite reform advocates on John's writings, the journey towards mystical union, and the psychological aspects of negative theology.

Explore the Renaissance in Spain with scholars like Fray Luis de Leon, Antonio Nebrija, and Beatriz Galindo. Topics include Iberian humanism, Núnio de Guzman's fascination with Seneca, rise of humanism in Iberian universities, humanism during the Age of Exploration, and Frei Louis's translation efforts and theological dialogue.

Philosophy of disability expert Scott Williams discusses the modern philosophy of disability, its impact on societal structures, and its relevance to the European encounter with the Americas. Topics include contrasting medical and social models of defining disability, historical perspectives on disability, and the exploration of John Mayer's views on conquest and natural slavery.