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School · 1242 CE–1452 CE

Byzantine philosophy

Byzantine philosophy is Greek Christian philosophical work in the Byzantine Empire, especially on the relation between inherited Hellenic learning and Orthodox theology.

Shared questions

  • How can ancient philosophical learning be used within Christian theological commitments?

Internal disagreements

  • Whether Aristotelian and Platonic concepts can be integrated with Orthodox doctrine without subordinating theology to pagan authority.

Key texts

  • Nomoi (Book of Laws) · 15th century — Plethon's Neoplatonic replacement for Christianity survives only in fragments, the rest having been burnt.
  • Philosophia — Pachymeres's epitome of Aristotle served the teaching needs of Palaiologan Constantinople.