History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps HoP 308 - Dominic O'Meara on Michael Psellos
Sep 23, 2018
Dominic O'Meara, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, shares insights on the influential thinker Michael Psellos. They discuss Psellos's unique blend of political engagement and philosophical thought, stressing the need for philosophers to engage with power. O'Meara explores tensions between asceticism and knowledge, scrutinizing the conflict between religious beliefs and intellectual pursuits. Additionally, the conversation delves into the portrayal of rulers in Psellos's 'Chronographia', juxtaposing divine ideals with the harsh realities of leadership in the Byzantine Empire.
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Psellos’ Mother and Plotinus
- Psellos praised his mother’s religious asceticism using Plotinian philosophy.
- This illustrated his attempt to reconcile extreme spirituality with philosophical reasoning.
Balancing Pagan Wisdom and Christianity
- Psellos carefully balanced Christian doctrine with engagement in pagan philosophy, including its contradictions.
- He openly presented pagan wisdom, then rejected what conflicted with Christianity, defending his broad learning.
Embracing Challenging Pagan Texts
- Psellos enthusiastically embraced highly pagan and difficult texts like Proclus and the Chaldean oracles.
- He lived in a tension unresolved by his era's Christian framework yet pursued Neoplatonic philosophy passionately.
