Filosofia Medieval - Prof. Anderson

Summary

The video delves into the origins of medieval philosophy, shaped by the intersection of Christianity and Greek philosophy within the Hellenistic world. It traces the emergence of Christian philosophy in Alexandria, influenced by Neoplatonism, and highlights key figures like Philo of Alexandria, Tertullian, and Saint Justin Martyr. The video explores the central questions medieval philosophers tackled, including the relationship between faith and reason, the proof of God's existence, language's ability to express the divine, and the nature of universals. The emergence of medieval thought set the foundation for philosophy in Europe for over a millennium.

Takeaways

• 😀 Medieval philosophy emerged from the intersection of Christianity and Greek pagan philosophy during the Hellenistic era.
• 😀 Various philosophical schools, such as Platonism, Aristotelianism, and Hellenistic philosophies, influenced the cultural environment of the time.
• 😀 The core difference between philosophy and Christianity lies in their approaches to truth: philosophy uses reason and dialectical struggle, while Christianity relies on faith and obedience.
• 😀 Christianity, aiming to spread the Gospel, sought to convince philosophers of its truth, thus leading to the emergence of medieval philosophy.
• 😀 Despite the prominence of Rome, medieval philosophy did not emerge there due to political hostility and the closure of philosophical schools under Roman emperors.
• 😀 Alexandria, known for its cosmopolitan and religiously tolerant culture, became the birthplace of Christian philosophy in the early Christian era.
• 😀 Christian philosophy was primarily influenced by Neoplatonism rather than Plato's original works, with Philo of Alexandria being an early attempt to merge philosophy with sacred scriptures.
• 😀 Tertullian, a Christian theologian, rejected the idea that philosophy and sacred scriptures could be reconciled, believing that truth is only found through faith.
• 😀 Saint Justin Martyr, as the first Christian Platonist, advocated for the compatibility of philosophy and Christianity and is considered the founder of the patristic movement.
• 😀 Medieval philosophy, epitomized by figures like Saint Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas, focused on key questions related to the relationship between faith and reason, the existence of God, language, and the nature of universals.

Q & A

What is the primary cultural context in which medieval philosophy emerged?

Medieval philosophy emerged in the cultural context of Hellenism, which was characterized by various philosophical currents, such as those of Plato, Aristotle, and Hellenistic philosophies like Cynicism, Skepticism, and Epicureanism, along with the Roman influence.

How did Christianity come to interact with Greek philosophy?

Christianity interacted with Greek philosophy because Christians needed to convince philosophers of the truth of Christianity. To do so, they adopted the language and methods of philosophy, despite its reliance on reason and dialectical questioning, in contrast to Christianity's foundation in Faith and obedience.

Why did medieval philosophy not emerge in Rome despite it being the cultural center?

Medieval philosophy did not emerge in Rome because of the political hostility toward Christianity, particularly from Roman emperors who initially persecuted Christians and later persecuted philosophers. This led to the closure of philosophical schools in Rome, pushing the emergence of medieval philosophy in Alexandria.

What was significant about Alexandria during the early Christian era?

Alexandria was significant because it was a cosmopolitan city with religious tolerance, where multiple cultures, including Egyptian, Greek, Jewish, and Roman, coexisted peacefully. This environment facilitated the emergence of Christian philosophy.

Who was Philo of Alexandria, and what was his role in Christian philosophy?

Philo of Alexandria was a Jewish philosopher who attempted to merge philosophy with sacred scriptures. He believed that philosophy and sacred scriptures were not antagonistic and that philosophy could help understand the word of God.

What was Tertullian's stance on the relationship between philosophy and Christianity?

Tertullian opposed the compatibility between philosophy and Christianity. He famously asked, 'What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?' and believed that truth could only be found through Faith, with reason being an obstacle to this truth.

Who was Saint Justin Martyr, and what role did he play in medieval philosophy?

Saint Justin Martyr was the first Christian Platonist. He defended the compatibility between philosophy and Christianity, arguing that even pre-Christian philosophers were touched by the Divine Logos (Jesus Christ), thereby laying the foundation for medieval philosophy.

What is the main focus of medieval philosophy?

The main focus of medieval philosophy was to reconcile Faith and Reason, demonstrate the existence of God through rational arguments, explore how finite language can describe an infinite being, and debate the nature of universals (whether concepts exist in the real world or only in the mind).

What was the role of Patristics and Scholasticism in medieval philosophy?

Patristics, led by figures like Saint Augustine, was the first phase of medieval philosophy, focusing on the relationship between Faith and Reason. Scholasticism, later exemplified by Saint Thomas Aquinas, sought to synthesize philosophy and theology using reason to explain and defend Christian doctrine.

What are the key questions addressed by medieval philosophers?

Medieval philosophers addressed four key questions: the relationship between Faith and Reason, the proof of God's existence, the challenge of speaking about an infinite being using finite language, and the nature of universals (whether abstract concepts exist outside the mind or only in the mind).