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A Note on “Plato in Poland” in “The Polish Review”
It has been only recently that we have learned about a note on Tomasz Mróz’s book (Plato in Poland 1800-1950: Types of Reception – Authors – Problems, Baden-Baden 2021) that appeared in “The Polish Review” (New York) in 2022 (vol. 67, no. 4, p. 176) in the section: Books Briefly.
A paragraph long note by the journal editors assessed the book as “a valuable addition to the history of Polish philosophy”.
How to Scare International Students with Vitello’s Theory of Demons
In March (23rd-27th) 2026, an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme meeting was held at the University of Zielona Góra. About fifty students representing partner universities from Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Lithuania, Portugal, Romania, Turkey and Vietnam took part in this event. Ancient Φilosophy Reception research group was present there and it was Tomasz Mróz whose presentation inaugurated on-site and offline part of the whole event.
The general topic of this BIP meeting was: Interference Patterns – Science and Culture in Dialogue. Mróz’s lecture – The Philosopher Vitello of Legnica and His Scholarly Theory of Demons – aimed to demonstrate how this 13th century scientist and philosopher, man of the world and a locally engaged scholar, used ancient thinkers (Calcidius and Aristotle) and combined mathematical calculations, natural sciences, philosophy and his own life experience to develop a theory of demons as animals composed mainly of air, the subtle element. He rejected theological concept of demons as a fallen angels and took an attempt to explain various “demonic” phaenomena secundum viam naturalem et possibilem.
The questions from the audience concerned the problem of Vitello’s method as he departed from theological discourse. The discussion that followed emphasised the convergence of methods of Latin Averroists and Vitello, whose intention may have also been the defence of the autonomous character of philosophy and sciences. Feedback from students was also invaluable as they were surprised that such intriguing topics can be found in (otherwise dull?) history of medieval philosophy. Thank you Moldovan students in Romania!
As a digression in the course of the lecture, Woody Allen’s Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask appeared. However, since the episode with Daisy, the sheep, is definitely not suitable for all audiences, it will not be developed here 😉
Of course, no one would probably argue today for topicality of Vitello’s theory of demons, but at least some of his considerations should be taken as a serious piece of advice even in the 21st century: if you see demons or angels or hear them talking to you or making sounds, you should immediately consult a doctor!
Thanks to Sylwia Kondej and Magdalena Pokrzyńska
for organising such a great event!
An Erasmus+ Visit of a Guest from Vilnius
A co-operation between Vilnius University and the University of Zielona Góra in philosophy is developing well and a recent (March 9th-13th, 2026) visit of a guest from VU, dr Mindaugas Stoškus, proves this. M. Stoškus is a scholar with whom Ancient Φilosophy Reception research group have recently started a formal collaboration in a project funded by the Research Council of Lithuania on the reception of Greek philosophy among the philosophers in VU in the 20th century. It is here where we have already announced this as well as Stoškus’ previous visits in Zielona Góra.
There were two lectures on ancient philosophy (and its application) among the classes of dr Stoškus. They both required students’ engagement and active participation. For philosophy students, he spoke about the ancient Greek idea of philosophy and wisdom, while for the students of doctoral school – about Plato and teaching methods. The photo on the right was taken by Urszula Majdańska-Wachowicz during the class for PhD. students. M. Stoškus (left) is being introduced by T. Mróz (right).
We are looking forward to the next visits of Vilnius scholars!
Full Professorship for Tomasz Mróz
We are very glad to announce that Tomasz Mróz, the Head and Initiatior of the Ancient Φilosophy Reception research group at the University of Zielona Góra (Institute of Philosophy), was granted the title of the professor (or full professor, professor ordinarius), the highest academic rank in Poland, by the President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, in December 2025. The ceremony of presenting the nominations to the new professors took place in the Presidential Palace in Warsaw, official residence of the Polish head of the state, on January 7th, 2026.
The whole procedure of obtaining the professorship took almost a year. All the necessary documents were submitted to the Council of Academic Excellence (CAE) in January 2025. CAE appointed five referees to assess quantity and quality of T. Mróz’s scholarly achievements and his entire academic curriculum. The referees were professors: Krzysztof Brzechczyn, Mikołaj Domaradzki, Janina Gajda-Krynicka, Jerzy Kojkoł and Andrzej Wawrzynowicz. After receiving five positive opinions, CAE, at a session in September 2025, unanimously passed a motion to the President to grant the professor title to T. Mróz.
Congratulations!
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