Pico's Philosophical Analysis

For those who understand nothing of the study of philosophy it can often prove confusing as to why one would wish to pursue a career within this art. Philosophy, I have learned, can be difficult, frustrating, complex, and at times challenging to our own moral codes and conducts that we hold as individuals. However, for those who do understand the benefit of the study of philosophy this experience can be liberating and even empowering to a certain extent. It is true that throughout the pursuit of philosophical enlightenment many of our own ideals and creeds may be challenged, although through this confrontation of the self we are enabled to become closer to the truth of things, we may grasp concepts and ideas that which we have never considered

Through the medium of philosophy Pico had shown to man his duality, how to tame said duality, reach enlightenment and eventual true divine knowledge. For Pico, philosophy had served as a method of discovering truth, rather than a set of dogmas representing truth. This brings us closer to the conclusion of Pico’s argument, his defence of his theses and his overall apologia on philosophy. Simply stated in the text, Pico had believed that the study of philosophy was plainly needed. Many may choose specific schools and masters to study under, yet each offer something distinctive and unique. With this, Pico holds firm in his theory that the philosophies of many of the earlier medieval scholastics are the same. He elaborates, stating that out of context and through the vehicle of philosophy, there are no differences between Hebrews and Christians. Using the Book of Moses as example, Pico asserts that in both Christian and Hebrew doctrines we find Platonic ideals and philosophies, therefore we may be able to discover similarities in Christian faith and other previous philosophies. From our analysis of this argument, we once more may understand as to why the young humanist would place such importance in philosophy. As stated, philosophy quells the passions, acts as precursor to theology, aids man in understanding the self while elevating him to the divine. Above all, philosophy propounds harmony and truth. Through the recognition of Platonic values in a variety of faiths, Pico’s “Oration” presents the idea of universal harmony among philosophers and harmony through the mechanism of philosophy primarily. Thus, through philosophising, all cultures, philosophies and religions may hold similar traits, leading to united ends in differing ways. For Pico, despite the multiplicity of perspectives, truth is ultimately one. All multiplicity derives from the one. Again, here we are reminded of