History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps

HoP 216 - One of a Kind - Gilbert of Poitiers on Individuation

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

HoP 215 - The Medieval Podcasters

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

HoP 214 - The Good Book - Philosophy of Nature

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

HoP 213 - On the Shoulders of Giants - Philosophy at Chartres

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

HoP 212 - Like Father, Like Son - Debating the Trinity

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

HoP 211 - Learn Everything - the Victorines

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

HoP 210 - John Marenbon on Peter Abelard

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

HoP 209 - It’s the Thought that Counts - Abelard’s Ethics

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

HoP 208 - Get Thee to a Nunnery - Heloise and Abelard

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

HoP 207 - All or Nothing - The Problem of Universals

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

HoP 206 - Eileen Sweeney on Anselm

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

HoP 205 - Somebody's Perfect - Anselm's Ontological Argument

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

HoP 204 - A Canterbury Tale - Anselm's Life and Works

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

HoP 203 - Virgin Territory - Peter Damian on Changing the Past

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

HoP 202 - Philosophers Anonymous - the Roots of Scholasticism

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

HoP 201 - Stephen Gersh on Medieval Platonism

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

HoP 200 - Jill Kraye and John Marenbon on Medieval Philosophy

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

HoP 199 - Much Ado About Nothing - Eriugena's Periphyseon

Eriugena delves into the Greek tradition to produce his masterpiece of metaphysics and theology, the Periphyseon.

HoP 198 - Grace Notes - Eriugena and the Predestination Controversy

John Scotus Eriugena debates free will with his rival Gottschalk, arguing that God predestines the saved but not the damned.

HoP 197 - Charles in Charge - The Carolingian Renaissance

Alcuin leads a resurgence of interest in philosophy and the liberal arts at the court of Charlemagne.