HIST 125: The Renaissance

Guide questions for discussion: Pico della Mirandola and Renaissance Neoplatonism

1.   What is Renaissance Neo-Platonism?  How does it differ from Humanism?

2.   Who was Giovanni Pico della Mirandola?

3.   Why did he write his “Oration on the Dignity of Man”?

4.   What is/are the main issue(s) he set out to discuss?  Why?

5.   In Pico’s view, what is the nature of man?  Why is this significant?

6.   What are the four levels of existence?  What are the main characteristics of each?

7.   What is/should be the goal of human existence?  How do we reach this goal?

8.   What is Pico’s view of the active and contemplative lives?

9.   What is his view of the Scholastics?

10.  What is the “Unity of Truth” which Kristeller argues is one of Pico’s main contributions to Renaissance thought?