Wednesday, May 13, 2009

The Life and Legacy of Michael Servetus : Theologian, Philosopher, Scientist, and Humanist

Please join us for a presentation on the topic of Michael Servetus by Marian Hillar.

There are few figures in the history of ideas that would match the breadth and scope of Michael Servetus's outlook and importance for the evolution of culture in Western Europe. Servetus demanded a radical evaluation of the entire ideological religious system of assertions and dogmas imposed on Western Europe since the fourth century. He was a prominent Renaissance scholar and reformer. He emphasized human natural capabilities of recognizing moral values and making moral judgment. This trait of Servetus's thought unites him with the ancient optimistic humanism as well as with the modern outlook on the human condition supported by modern studies in the history of ethics and its rational and natural origin. By his writings and circumstances of his death he set into motion an intellectual movement that eventually led to the development of modern ideas about freedom of conscience.

We look forward to seeing you!