History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps

Jennifer Rampling, an expert on Renaissance alchemy, discusses alchemical practices in 16th century England, including its sponsorship by Queen Elizabeth I and William Cecil. She explores the process of citrination, the fusion of ideas between quintessence and Ficino's spiritus Mundi, and the defense against accusations of ritual magic. Rampling also delves into the relationship between alchemy and philosophy, the influence of Paracelsus, and the phenomenon of darkness becoming bright in alchemy.

Robert Fludd, an English Renaissance figure, investigates chemistry, medicine, agriculture, and cosmology. The podcast covers his unique system of combining Christian Scripture and pagan philosophy, his theories on the fundamental element of water, and his studies on plants, animals, and minerals. It also includes a debate on the feasibility of the philosopher's stone and a contrasting perspective on mathematical harmonies in the universe.

Exploring the cosmological and methodological implications of breakthroughs in understanding magnetism and electricity in the 17th century, focusing on William Gilbert's groundbreaking book 'Concerning the Magnet, Magnetic Bodies and This Great Magnet, The Earth', his theory of magnetism and empirical observations, as well as the influence of craft skills and anti-Aristotelian natural philosophy in the 17th century.

Exploring changing ideas about eyesight, light, mirror images, and refraction, including the theories of vision proposed by Aristotle, Ibn al-Haitham, and Witalo, and Kepler's understanding of light as a physical phenomenon. Delving into religious attitudes towards vision and the skeptical worries they may have inspired.

Explore the scientific accomplishments of scientists in Renaissance England, including their contributions to mathematics, physics, and medicine. Learn about the comparison between Galileo and Harriet's approaches to scientific inquiry. Discover the anticipation of early modern philosophy and the connections between math, alchemy, and optics.

Discover the life of Elizabethan mathematician and magician John Dee as he interacts with influential figures, explores the remarkable library, believes in astrology, and embarks on a journey to Central Europe with Edward Kelly, all while consulting with angels revealing scandalous advice.

This podcast explores the history and significance of scholasticism in philosophy. It discusses the concept of scholasticism, the progress in logic and heuristic logic, the shift in criteria for knowledge, and the connection between early modern philosophy and the scientific method.

The podcast explores the evolution of Aristotelian philosophy in Britain from the late 15th to the late 16th century. It discusses the impact of grammar schools, Protestantism, and literacy on British scholasticism. Topics include the use of Latin in logical treatises, propositions and moral reasoning in British scholasticism, and the views on scholastic philosophy and the rise of humanist rhetoric. The chapter also highlights John Mair's involvement in public matters and introduces John Case as a key figure in reviving scholasticism in the late Tudor period.

Examining the limitations faced by women in expressing their literary genius in Elizabethan society, the influential work of 15th-century writer Marjorie Camp, her unconventional life challenging societal norms and relationship with God, and the opportunities for women writers in the 16th century.

Exploring the anxieties and explanations of witchcraft in Shakespeare's Macbeth, discussing supernatural elements, historical context, attitudes towards witchcraft in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the portrayal of Lady Macbeth as a fiend-like queen.