The concept of religion in early modern philosophy – three examples: Machiavelli, Cardano and Bruno

This paper discusses the significance and development of the concept of religion in theoretical and historical backdrop in beginning of modern philosophy. Considering especially the contributions of the most important philosophers of the Renaissance, including Nicholas of Cusa, Marsilio Ficino, Machiavelli, Cardano and Bruno, it discusses the metaphysical and anthropological foundations of religion, as well as its political role at the dawn of modern philosophical thought. [doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.7443/problemata.v5i1.20253]This paper discusses the significance and development of the concept of religion in theoretical and historical backdrop in beginning of modern philosophy. Considering especially the contributions of the most important philosophers of the Renaissance, including Nicholas of Cusa, Marsilio Ficino, Machiavelli, Cardano and Bruno, it discusses the metaphysical and anthropological foundations of religion, as well as its political role at the dawn of modern philosophical thought.