The Renaissance is seen as a brilliant moment in the development of Western civilization. However, relatively little attention has been devoted to the contributions of philosophy to Renaissance culture. This volume includes coverage of Marsilio Ficino, Justus Lipsius, Erasmus and Machiavelli.

1. The Historical Context of Renaissance Philosophy ; 2. Aristotelianism ; 3. Platonism ; 4. Stoics, Sceptics, Epicureans, and Other Innovators ; 5. Nature against Authority: Breaking Away from the Classics ; 6. Renaissance Philosophy and Modern Memory ; Bibliography; Index

`a most welcome addition ... Brian Copenhaver has done an outstanding job of picking up the pieces, carrying out Schmitt's intentions, and producing a manuscript that by all indications is the work of one man.' Sixteenth Century Journal XXIV/4 (1993) `He provides a unified and well-balanced presentation of the philosophical developments of an era that today's textbooks still largely ignore ... Extensive bibliography and index. Recommended for all college and larger public libraries.' Humanities 'For those, philosophers and historians of ideas alike, who wish to enlarge their understanding of these complex patterns of influence, Renaissance Philosophy provides a comprehensive and richly documented guide.' Times Literary Supplement 'In spite of its dual authorship, the text gives the reader a remarkable sense of unity in purpose and execution. This is no minor achievement. The book is addressed to the general reader, but is erudite enough to serve as a reference text even for those who are recognized as Renaissance scholars ... the most complete and authoritative introduction to the topic available in English. The bibliographical apparatus is rich and up to date.' Carlos G. Norena, University of California, Santa Cruz, Review of Metaphysics, December 1993 'a clearly set-out work with an excellent bibliography' Modern Language Studies, Volume 54 (1992) 1993 'After the present work philosophers will have far less excuse for overlooking a period in which a number of issues which were to be discussed energetically in the twentieth century were already a subject of keen debate.' Alastair Hamilton, University of Amsterdam, Heythrop Journal

Brian Copenhaver is Professor of History and Philosophy and Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of California, Riverside. His books include: Hermetica (Ed, with T. Hermes, CUP 1992). Charles Schmitt, who died in Padua in 1986, was lecturer in History of Science and Philosophy at the Warburg Institute of the University of London.