Giovanni Pico della Mirandola

Giovanni Pico della Mirandola
Portrait of Giovanni Pico della Mirandola
Born	24 February 1463 Mirandola, Duchy of Modena
Died	17 November 1494 Florence, Republic of Florence
Nationality	Italian
Occupation	Philosopher, Humanist

Giovanni Pico della Mirandola (24 February 1463 – 17 November 1494) was an Italian Renaissance philosopher and a prominent figure in the humanist movement. He is best known for his "Oration on the Dignity of Man", which has been called the "Manifesto of the Renaissance".

Early Life

Pico was born in Mirandola, a small town in the Duchy of Modena, to a noble family. He was the youngest son of Francesco I, Count of Mirandola, and Giulia Boiardo, a member of the noble Boiardo family. From a young age, Pico was recognized for his prodigious intellect and was sent to study canon law at the University of Bologna at the age of 14.

Education and Influences

Pico's education was extensive and eclectic. He studied at various universities, including Ferrara, Padua, and Paris, where he was exposed to a wide range of philosophical and theological ideas. He was particularly influenced by Aristotelianism, Neoplatonism, and Kabbalah.

The 900 Theses

In 1486, Pico published his "Conclusiones philosophicae, cabalasticae et theologicae", a collection of 900 theses on a wide range of subjects. He intended to defend these theses in a public debate in Rome, but the event was prohibited by Pope Innocent VIII, who condemned some of the theses as heretical.

Oration on the Dignity of Man

Pico's most famous work, the "Oration on the Dignity of Man", was intended as an introduction to his 900 Theses. In this work, Pico presents a vision of human potential and dignity, arguing that humans are unique in their ability to shape their own destiny. He emphasizes the importance of free will and the capacity for self-transformation.

Later Life and Death

After the controversy over his theses, Pico continued to write and study, focusing on reconciling different philosophical and religious traditions. He was a close associate of Lorenzo de' Medici and was part of the intellectual circle in Florence. Pico died under mysterious circumstances in 1494, possibly poisoned.

Legacy

Pico della Mirandola is remembered as a key figure in the Renaissance and a pioneer of Renaissance humanism. His works influenced later thinkers and contributed to the development of modern philosophy.

See Also

• Renaissance philosophy
• Humanism
• Neoplatonism

References

• Copenhaver, Brian P. "Pico della Mirandola: Oration on the Dignity of Man: A New Translation and Commentary." Cambridge University Press, 2012.
• Grafton, Anthony. "Giovanni Pico della Mirandola: Trials of a Renaissance Philosopher." Harvard University Press, 1991.