“Oration on the Dignity of Man” by Mirandola Essay

Exclusively available on Available only on IvyPanda® Made by Human No AI

In the Oration on the Dignity of Man, the author outlines that humans are the most significant creature in the universe because they have been given “free will,” which makes them superior to all other creatures. As an address to the audience regarding human dignity, a result, Pico offers the individual the ability to take charge of their destiny by placing the burden of sensible decisions entirely on the shoulders of the person. Socrates from The Golden Ass takes responsibility for his current condition by prioritizing knowledge and wisdom over power and money, as detailed in the book Oration on the Dignity of Man.

Socrates is responsible for his current predicament since he embraced knowledge and wisdom over power and money. According to Pico, since man can choose his path in life, he is ultimately accountable for his happiness. Socrates rose to fame due to his dedication to acquiring wisdom and learning. He gave up his riches to pursue intelligence, ultimately noting that “the fountain of wisdom is the exact metaphysics of the intellectual and angelic forms and the stream of knowledge is the most steadfast philosophy of natural things” (“Oration on the Dignity of Man” 252). Pico thinks that everyone is free to make their own choices and is eventually accountable for the outcomes of their actions. Generally, this example is visible using Socrates as a model.

In The Golden Ass, Socrates’ misfortune is an example of actions and reactions and their relationship with fate. Socrates makes the first choice of cheating on his wife, although knowing it is ethically wrong. According to Pico’s theory, man can only achieve greatness by fulfilling an oath set by God and making the proper choices based on reason. Socrates became the victim of a succession of misfortunes solely due to his actions and decisions. He describes the woman, noting, “Verily, she is a Magitian, which hath the power to rule the heavens” (The Golden Ass 29). With these remarks, it appears that Socrates is attempting to absolve himself of any responsibility for his conduct and the repercussions of his judgments.

Works Cited

Apuleius. The Golden Ass. Oxford Paperbacks, 2008.

“Oration on the Dignity of Man.” The Renaissance Philosophy of Man, edited by Ernst Cassirer, Paul O. Kristeller, and John H. Randall, University of Chicago Press, 1956, pp. 223-254.

More related papers Related Essay Examples
Cite This paper
You're welcome to use this sample in your assignment. Be sure to cite it correctly

Reference

IvyPanda. (2023, May 10). “Oration on the Dignity of Man” by Mirandola. https://ivypanda.com/essays/oration-on-the-dignity-of-man-by-mirandola/

Work Cited

"“Oration on the Dignity of Man” by Mirandola." IvyPanda, 10 May 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/oration-on-the-dignity-of-man-by-mirandola/.

References

IvyPanda. (2023) '“Oration on the Dignity of Man” by Mirandola'. 10 May.

References

IvyPanda. 2023. "“Oration on the Dignity of Man” by Mirandola." May 10, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/oration-on-the-dignity-of-man-by-mirandola/.

1. IvyPanda. "“Oration on the Dignity of Man” by Mirandola." May 10, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/oration-on-the-dignity-of-man-by-mirandola/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "“Oration on the Dignity of Man” by Mirandola." May 10, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/oration-on-the-dignity-of-man-by-mirandola/.

If, for any reason, you believe that this content should not be published on our website, please request its removal.
Updated:
This academic paper example has been carefully picked, checked and refined by our editorial team.
No AI was involved: only quilified experts contributed.
You are free to use it for the following purposes:
  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment
1 / 1