Early Medieval Philosophy
The first group of episodes on medieval philosophy in Latin Christendom looks at authors and texts from the beginning of the medieval period, with Alcuin, Eriugena and other Carolingian thinkers, down to 12th century figures like Abelard, Alan of Lille, John of Salisbury and Hildegard of Bingen. Despite the reputation of the early medieval era as a "dark age" these thinkers put forth brilliant ideas concerning logic, language, metaphysics, ethics, and political philosophy. Look out for interviews with Andrew Arlig, Kent Emery, Stephen Gersh, Caroline Humfress, Jill Kraye, John Marenbon, and Eileen Sweeney.
Further Reading
In addition to the general bibliography on medieval philosophy provided here see for the early period:
• A.H. Armstrong (ed.) The Cambridge History of Later Greek and Early Medieval Philosophy (Cambridge: 1967).
• P. Dronke (ed.) A History of Twelfth-Century Western Philosophy (Cambridge: 1988).
• S.C. Ferruolo, The Origins of the University: the Schools of Paris and their Critics, 1100-1215 (Stanford: 1985).
• C. Giraud, A Companion to Twelfth-Century Schools (Leiden: 2020).
• D.E. Luscombe, The School of Peter Abelard (Cambridge: 1970).
• J. Marenbon, Early Medieval Philosophy (480-1150): an Introduction (London: 1988).
• R.McKitterick, Carolingian Culture: Emulation and Innovation (Cambridge: 1994).
• R.W. Southern, Scholastic Humanism and the Unification of Europe, volume 1: Foundations and volume 2: the Heroic Age (Oxford: 1995 and 2001).
Episodes 196 - 224: Early Medieval
197. Charles in Charge: The Carolingian Renaissance
Posted on 9 November 2014
Alcuin leads a resurgence of interest in philosophy and the liberal arts at the court of Charlemagne.
1 comments
198. Grace Notes: Eriugena and the Predestination Controversy
Posted on 16 November 2014
John Scotus Eriugena debates free will with his rival Gottschalk, arguing that God predestines the saved but not the damned.
8 comments
199. Much Ado About Nothing: Eriugena's Periphyseon
Posted on 21 November 2014
Eriugena delves into the Greek tradition to produce his masterpiece of metaphysics and theology, the Periphyseon.
10 comments
200. Jill Kraye and John Marenbon on Medieval Philosophy
Posted on 30 November 2014
We celebrate reaching episode 200 with a special double interview on the problem of defining medieval philosophy.
16 comments
201. Stephen Gersh on Medieval Platonism
Posted on 6 December 2014
Stephen Gersh (who was Peter's doctoral advisor!) joins him to discuss the sources and influence of Platonism in the Middle Ages.
2 comments
202. Philosophers Anonymous: the Roots of Scholasticism
Posted on 13 December 2014
Little-known authors prepare the way for scholasticism with glosses on logic, metaphysical debate, and a poem about a cat.
5 comments
203. Virgin Territory: Peter Damian on Changing the Past
Posted on 20 December 2014
Peter Damian takes up a question with surprising philosophical implications: can God restore virginity to a woman who has lost it?
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204. A Canterbury Tale: Anselm's Life and Works
Posted on 27 December 2014
Anselm offers more than his famous ontological argument, including a subtle account of human freedom.
6 comments
205. Somebody's Perfect: Anselm's Ontological Argument
Posted on 3 January 2015
The most famous argument in medieval philosophy is Anselm’s proof for the existence of God. But how was it supposed to work?
34 comments
206. Eileen Sweeney on Anselm
Posted on 10 January 2015
Anselm expert Eileen Sweeney discusses his approach to philosophy and the devotional aspect of his works.
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207. All or Nothing: The Problem of Universals
Posted on 17 January 2015
Peter Abelard and other logicians of the 12th century argue over the status of universals: are they words or things?
22 comments
208. Get Thee to a Nunnery: Heloise and Abelard
Posted on 24 January 2015
Peter Abelard and Heloise prove themselves to be fascinating thinkers as well as star-crossed lovers.
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209. It’s the Thought that Counts: Abelard’s Ethics
Posted on 31 January 2015
Peter Abelard sets out an innovative ethical theory that identifies intentions as the core of moral life.
10 comments
210. John Marenbon on Peter Abelard
Posted on 7 February 2015
John Marenbon returns to the podcast to discuss Abelard's views on necessity and freedom.
26 comments
211. Learn Everything: the Victorines
Posted on 14 February 2015
Hugh of Saint Victor and other scholars of the same abbey combine secular learning with spirituality.
2 comments
212. Like Father, Like Son: Debating the Trinity
Posted on 21 February 2015
Discussion, debate and denunciation of philosophical attempts to explain the Trinity in Abelard, Richard of St Victor and Bernard of Clairvaux.
8 comments
213. On the Shoulders of Giants: Philosophy at Chartres
Posted on 28 February 2015
The controversial role of Chartres in the philosophical Renaissance of the twelfth century.
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214. The Good Book: Philosophy of Nature
Posted on 8 March 2015
As early medieval science blossoms, Bernard Silvestris and Alan of Lille personify Nature in their philosophical prose-poems.
4 comments
215. Medieval History Podcasters
Posted on 14 March 2015
In this special episode, Peter chats with the hosts of the History of the Crusades, History of Byzantium, and British History podcasts.
11 comments
216. One of a Kind: Gilbert of Poitiers on Individuation
Posted on 22 March 2015
Gilbert of Poitiers proposes a unique way to explain how each individual is the individual it is.
14 comments
217. Andrew Arlig on Parts and Wholes
Posted on 28 March 2015
Andrew Arlig joins Peter to discuss medieval discussions of mereology (the study of parts and wholes).
2 comments
218. Two Swords: Early Medieval Political Philosophy
Posted on 5 April 2015
The “Investiture Contest” between church and state and the first major work of medieval political philosophy, John of Salisbury’s Policraticus.
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219. Law and Order: Gratian and Peter Lombard
Posted on 12 April 2015
Gratian and Peter Lombard help bring scholasticism to maturity by systematizing law and theology.
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220. Caroline Humfress on the Roots of Medieval Law
Posted on 17 April 2015
A discussion about Roman law and its reception in the medieval period, with ancient law expert Caroline Humfress.
2 comments
221. Leading Light: Hildegard of Bingen
Posted on 25 April 2015
The life, visions, political intrigues and scientific interests of Hildegard of Bingen.
9 comments
222. Rediscovery Channel: Translations into Latin
Posted on 2 May 2015
Greek and Arabic sources are rendered into Latin in a translation movement that will revolutionize medieval philosophy.
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223. Straw Men: The Rise of the Universities
Posted on 9 May 2015
The emergence of universities in Paris, Oxford, Bologna and elsewhere provide the main setting for medieval philosophy in the 13th century and beyond.
11 comments
224. Kent Emery on Institutions of Learning
Posted on 16 May 2015
Kent Emery joins Peter to discuss the effects of monastic and university culture on medieval philosophy.
12 comments
Posted on 2 November 2014
Peter launches the series of podcasts on philosophy in medieval Latin Christendom with a look ahead at what’s to come.
14 comments