
History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps
Peter Adamson, Professor of Philosophy at the LMU in Munich and at King's College London, takes listeners through the history of philosophy, "without any gaps". www.historyofphilosophy.net
Latest episodes

Mar 17, 2024 • 21min
HoP 441 - Lambs to the Slaughter - Debating the New World
Exploring the justifications behind Spanish conquistadors' brutality in the New World, including legal and philosophical arguments influenced by Aristotle. Discussion on the European rationale for intervention in the Americas, critiquing Spanish colonialism and debates on the treatment of indigenous peoples. Highlighting the contrasting views of de las Casas and Montecino on colonial violence and the complexities of understanding historical texts on colonialism and slavery.

Mar 3, 2024 • 18min
HoP 440 - Longitudinal Studies - Exploration and Science
16th-century scientific advancements intertwined with exploration efforts to the Americas, showcasing the blending of European and Chinese philosophy. Detailed tasks in new Spain and the Philippines, encounter with diverse cultures and wildlife. European explorers' advancements in understanding habitability. Integration of European philosophy with Confucian thought in China, aiming to merge intellectual traditions.

Feb 18, 2024 • 24min
HoP 439 - Cancel Culture - The Inquisition
Exploring religious persecution and censorship in Catholic Europe in the sixteenth century, focusing on the Spanish Inquisition under Ferdinand and Isabella. Delving into the suppression of Jews, Jewish Christian converts, and Spanish Muslims known as Moriscos. The podcast also covers the emergence of the Reformation, the trials of scholars like Juan Guil and Lin Juan de Vergara, and the challenges of censorship and control in the Inquisition.

Feb 4, 2024 • 18min
HoP 438 - Don't Give Up Pope - Catholic Reformation
Exploring the Catholic Reformation and its impact on philosophy in Spain, Portugal, and Italy. Discussing the Council of Trent, the influence of Aquinas and scholasticism, the role of Jesuits, and the rivalry between humanism and scholasticism. Examining the significance of Catholic universities, the use of history in arguments, and the connection between religious beliefs and political power during the Reformation era.

Jan 21, 2024 • 35min
HoP 437 - Jennifer Rampling on Renaissance Alchemy
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.

Jan 7, 2024 • 19min
HoP 436 - Unpathed Waters, Undreamed Shores - Robert Fludd
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.

Dec 24, 2023 • 18min
HoP 435 - Metal More Attractive - William Gilbert and Magnetism
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.

Dec 10, 2023 • 20min
HoP 434 - The Eye Sees Not Itself But By Reflection - Theories of Vision
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.

14 snips
Nov 26, 2023 • 20min
HoP 433 - Nature’s Mystery - Science in Renaissance England
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.

Nov 12, 2023 • 22min
HoP 432 - If This Be Magic, Let It Be an Art - John Dee
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.