The Comparatio of Plato and Aristotle in the Renaissance

FAIN: FA-12240-78

Frederick Purnell, Jr
CUNY Research Foundation, Queens College (Flushing, NY 11367-1575)

To study the genre of philosophical writing known as Comparatio. Comparisons between Plato and Aristotle, which has roots traceable to Middle Platonism in antiquity. It was revived in 15th-century Italy, and was a popular format until the early 17th century. The study of Comparatio will not only bring to light an important but little-known aspect of Renaissance philosophical literature, but will contribute to an understanding of the influence of Plato and Aristotle on the intellectual life of the period.