Abstract
Michael Psellos was one of the most erudite and prolific thinkers of the Byzantine Middle Ages. His works include historical writings; philosophical treatises and commentaries; theological writings; poems; speeches; legal, geographical, military, and medical works; as well as works on music. Psellos taught all branches of philosophy, by closely reading and commenting on the works of ancient philosophers and especially on Aristotle’s logical treatises. At the same time, he had a strong preference for Plato and the Neoplatonists, and especially for Proclus, whom he considered as an authority among ancient authors. Psellos may not have been an innovator, but he systematically tried to reconcile the Christian dogma with the ancient philosophical traditions. In his attempts to advance philosophical learning, he was often attacked concerning his theological orthodoxy, so that he often had to be careful to distance himself from heretical doctrines.
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Ierodiakonou, K. (2020). Michael Psellos. In: Lagerlund, H. (eds) Encyclopedia of Medieval Philosophy. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-1665-7_336
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