Who is Erasmus, Desiderius in Philosophy

Erasmus of Rotterdam, also known as Desiderius Erasmus, was one of the most influential philosophers and humanists of the Renaissance. Born in 1466 in the city of Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, Erasmus stood out for his innovative ideas and his criticism of the Catholic Church. His most famous work, “Elogio da Madness”, is considered one of the most important in Western literature.

Childhood and Education

Erasmus was born into a modest family and had a difficult childhood. His father died when he was still a child, leaving his mother to raise him alone. Despite the financial difficulties, his mother valued education and did everything she could to ensure that Erasmus had access to studies. He attended schools in his hometown and showed an exceptional talent for studies.

Humanism and Criticism of the Catholic Church

Erasmus was one of the main representatives of Renaissance humanism, an intellectual movement that valued the study of the humanities, such as philosophy, literature and history. He believed that knowledge and reason were fundamental to human development and the search for truth. However, his ideas were not always well received by the Catholic Church, which viewed his criticism and questions with suspicion.

Travel and Contacts with Intellectuals

Erasmus traveled extensively throughout Europe, establishing contact with several intellectuals and scholars of the time. He spent some time in England, where he met Thomas More, author of “Utopia,” and became a close friend of King Henry VIII. His travels and contacts with other thinkers profoundly influenced his ideas and worldview.

“Praise of Madness”

Published in 1511, “Praise of Madness” is Erasmus’ best-known work. In this book, he uses the figure of Madness as a metaphor to criticize the vices and hypocrisies of society at the time. Erasmus questions the authority of the Catholic Church and criticizes the lack of coherence between the speech and actions of religious leaders. The work had a significant impact at the time and continues to be studied and discussed to this day.

Contributions to Philosophy

Erasmus made several contributions to philosophy, especially in the field of ethics and theology. He defended the importance of freedom of thought and the search for truth, even if this meant questioning established beliefs. Furthermore, he proposed a more humanistic view of religion, emphasizing the importance of compassion and love for others.

Legacy and Influence

Erasmus' legacy is immense and his influence can be felt to this day. His ideas contributed to the development of critical thinking and freedom of expression. Furthermore, his work has inspired other philosophers and intellectuals over the centuries, influencing movements such as the Enlightenment and the Protestant Reformation. Erasmus is considered one of the greatest thinkers in history and his impact on Western philosophy and culture is undeniable.

Conclusion

Although the conclusion has been removed, it is important to highlight that Erasmus of Rotterdam was a philosopher and humanist of extreme importance in the history of Western thought. His innovative ideas and criticism of the Catholic Church profoundly influenced the Renaissance and continue to be discussed and studied to this day. His work, especially “Elogio da Madura”, is considered one of the most relevant in Western literature. Erasmus left a lasting legacy and his impact on philosophy and culture is indisputable.