Giovanni Pico della Mirandola (1463-1494) is widely known to have been a partner in philosophy with Marsilio Ficino (1433-1499) the leading figure of the Renaissance revival of Platonism. Pico is also popular as the author of a speech On the Dignity of Man, which has become a signature text of humanist and Renaissance appreciation of the peculiar role of humanity in the world.

Less known is Pico's commentary on the beginning of Genesis, his critique of astrology, and, indeed, his critique of Ficino's Platonism. This presentation will tie the various endeavors of this prolific thinker into the context of the humanist movement and the fruitfulness of his work for present day thought. SPEAKERS Paul Richard Blum (Loyola University, Maryland) Sheila Rabin (Saint Peter's University, Jersey City) Paul Richard Blum is T.J. Higgins, S.J., Professor in Philosophy at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore.

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Source: http://www.iicnewyork.esteri.it