History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps

Scott MacDonald joins Peter to discuss Thomas Aquinas' views on human knowledge.

Aquinas follows medieval legal thinkers in defining the conditions under which war may be justified, and proposes his famous doctrine of double effect.

Natural law and political legitimacy in thirteenth century thinkers up to and including Thomas Aquinas.

Natural and supernatural virtue and happiness in Thomas Aquinas and his teacher, Albert the Great.

Thomas Aquinas makes controversial claims concerning the unity of the soul and the empirical basis of human knowledge.

An introduction to Thomas Aquinas, his views on faith and reason, and his famous “five ways” of proving God’s existence.

Therese Cory tells Peter what Albert the Great and Thomas Aquinas thought about self-awareness.

Albert the Great’s theory of being and his attempt to explain what changes in the human mind when we come to see God in the afterlife.

Albert the Great earns his nickname “universal doctor” by devoting himself to the whole of nature, from geology and botany to the study of human nature.

Was medieval logic "formal"? Peter finds out from Catarina Dutilh Novaes.

Robert Kilwardby is infamous for his ban on teaching certain philosophical ideas at Oxford, yet made contributions in logic and on the soul.

Two Beguine authors, Hadewijch and Mechthild of Magdeburg, deploy the tropes of courtly love in vernacular writings about their mystical experiences.

New feed for Philosophy in India: http://hopwag2.podbean.com/feed/

Bonaventure and Peter Olivi respond to critics of the Franciscan vow of poverty, in a debate which produced new ideas about economics and rights.

Medieval ideas about what animals do and do not have in common with humans, and how we should treat them.

Peter Olivi proposes that awareness occurs not through passively being affected by things, but by actively paying attention to them.

Bonaventure argues that human knowledge depends on an illumination from God.

Charles Burnett tells Peter about the role of magic in medieval intellectual life.

Roger Bacon extols the power of science based on experience and uses a general theory of "species" to explain light and vision.

Translator, scientist and theologian Robert Grosseteste sheds light on the cosmos, human understanding, and the rainbow.

The scholastics explore Aristotle’s ethical teaching and the concept of moral conscience.

Philip the Chancellor introduces the transcendentals, a key idea in medieval metaphysics and aesthetics.

John Blund and William of Auvergne draw on Aristotle and Avicenna to argue that the soul is immaterial and immortal.

Richard Rufus and anonymous commentators on Aristotle explore the nature of motion, time, infinity and space.

The terminist logicians William of Sherwood and Peter of Spain classify the various ways that language can relate to the world.

Kent Emery joins Peter to discuss the effects of monastic and university culture on medieval philosophy.

The emergence of universities in Paris, Oxford, Bologna and elsewhere provide the main setting for medieval philosophy in the 13th century and beyond.

Greek and Arabic sources are rendered into Latin in a translation movement that will revolutionize medieval philosophy.

The life, visions, political intrigues and scientific interests of Hildegard of Bingen.

A discussion about Roman law and its reception in the medieval period, with ancient law expert Caroline Humfress.

Gratian and Peter Lombard help bring scholasticism to maturity by systematizing law and theology.

The “Investiture Contest” between church and state and the first major work of medieval political philosophy, John of Salisbury’s Policraticus.

Andrew Arlig joins Peter to discuss medieval discussions of mereology (the study of parts and wholes).

Gilbert of Poitiers proposes a unique way to explain how each individual is the individual it is.

In this special episode, Peter chats with the hosts of the History of the Crusades, History of Byzantium, and British History podcasts.

As early medieval science blossoms, Bernard Silvestris and Alan of Lille personify Nature in their philosophical prose-poems.

The controversial role of Chartres in the philosophical Renaissance of the twelfth century.

Discussion, debate and denunciation of philosophical attempts to explain the Trinity in Abelard, Richard of St Victor and Bernard of Clairvaux.

Hugh of Saint Victor and other scholars of the same abbey combine secular learning with spirituality.

John Marenbon returns to the podcast to discuss Abelard's views on necessity and freedom..

Peter Abelard sets out an innovative ethical theory that identifies intentions as the core of moral life.

Peter Abelard and Heloise prove themselves to be fascinating thinkers as well as star-crossed lovers.

Abelard and other logicians of the 12th century argue over the status of universals: are they words or things?

Anselm expert Eileen Sweeney discusses his approach to philosophy and the devotional aspect of his works.

The most famous argument in medieval philosophy is Anselm's proof of God's existence. But how is it supposed to work?

Anselm offers more than his famous ontological argument, including a subtle account of human freedom.

Peter Damian takes up a question with surprising philosophical implications: can God restore virginity to a woman who has lost it?

Little-known authors prepare the way for scholasticism with glosses on logic, metaphysical debate, and a poem about a cat.

Stephen Gersh (who was Peter's doctoral advisor!) joins him to discuss the sources and influence of Platonism in the Middle Ages.

We celebrate reaching episode 200 with a special double interview on the problem of defining medieval philosophy.