Ficinian Theories as Rhetorical Devices: The Case of Girolamo Savonarola

Abstract

The relationship between Girolamo Savonarola and Marsilio Ficino has long attracted the attention of scholars of late Quattrocento Florence. This chapter seeks to clarify the dynamics of their relationship and the reasons for their estrangement by offering a fuller account of their exchange than currently exists. The diversity of views on certain philosophical and theological issues became sufficiently pronounced for Savonarola to take clear and explicit aim against Ficino on the subjects of poetry, prophecy, astrology and the proper relationship between philosophy and theology. The chapter presents the initial findings of research on Savonarola's philosophical sources and his connection with certain members of the Laurentian circle in Florence. Ficino's position essentially oscillated between formal attempts to distance himself from astrology, and a practical recourse to its tenets in many of his writings. Keywords:Ficinian theory; Girolamo Savonarola; Marsilio Ficino; philosophy; Quattrocento Florence; theology