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    How to Scare International Students with Vitello’s Theory of Demons

    1 April 2026

    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!