History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.