Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Platonic Philosophy or the philosophy of Plato. The term is loosely and ambiguously applied. It is sometimes used to signify the collection of fragmentary views scattered through the writings of Plato: sometimes it is employed to denote the systematic coordination and development of those views by the later academicians; and, most frequently, it is extended … Continue reading “Platonic Philosophy”

Platon a celebrated Russian prelate of modern times, whose family name was Beffschin, was born June 29, 1737. He was the son of a village priest near Moscow, in the university of which capital he received his education, and, besides studying the classical tongues, made considerable proficiency in the sciences. His talents soon caused him … Continue reading “Platon”

Plato and Platonism I. LIFE OF PLATO Plato (Platon, “the broad shouldered”) was born at Athens in 428 or 427 B.C. He came of an aristocratic and wealthy family, although some writers represented him as having felt the stress of poverty. Doubtless he profited by the educational facilities afforded young men of his class at … Continue reading “Plato and Platonism”

Plato Greek philosopher; born c.427 BC in Athens, Greece; died there c.347 BC. He came under the influence of Socrates, and their intercourse through ten years was the dominant influence in Plato’s philosophical career. His works, which took the form of dialogues, possess rare beauty of expression and the characters display marked urbanity of manner, … Continue reading “Plato”

Platina, Battista Bartolommeo de Sacchi a very learned Italian, is noted as the author of a History of the Popes. He was born in 1421 at Piadena, a village between Cremona and Mantua. He first embraced a military life, which he followed for a time, but afterwards devoted himself to literature. He went to Rome … Continue reading “Platina, Battista Bartolommeo de Sacchi”

Platina, Bartolomeo Also known as Sacchi. Humanist; born in 1421 in Piadena, Italy; died in 1481 in Rome, Italy. Deprived of his membership in the College of Abbreviators by Pope Paul II he wrote a scathing and false account of his character in his Vitae Pontificum (Lives of the Popes), which influenced historical opinion for … Continue reading “Platina, Bartolomeo”

Platel, Jacques a French theologian, was born at Bersee, a village of Artois, in the year 1608. He joined the Jesuits, and taught philosophy and theology at Douai. He was regarded as a man of some learning, and his writings were received favorably. He died Jan. 7, 1681, at Douai. His works are, Synopsis curses … Continue reading “Platel, Jacques”

Plateau, Joseph-Antoine Belgian physicist, b. at Brussels, 14 Oct., 1801; d. at Ghent, 15 Sept., 1883. His father, a flower-painter, wished him to be an artist, and, after his elementary studies, he was sent to the Académie de Dessein at Brussels. Left an orphan at fourteen, Joseph Plateau became the ward of a maternal uncle, … Continue reading “Plateau, Joseph-Antoine”

plate, peace A plaque of metal, ivory, or wood, generally decorated with some pious carving and provided with a handle. It was used in the Middle Ages to convey the kiss of peace to the faithful, and was first brought to the altar for the celebrant to kiss at the proper place in tke Mass, … Continue reading “plate, peace”

plate, communion A saucer-shaped vessel resembling the paten used at the Mass, but usually with a handle. It is held under the chin of the communicant, to guard against the dropping of the Sacred Host. It is not blessed. Fuente: New Catholic Dictionary