Clare Rossini - 'The Great Chain of Being'

The transcript discusses the concept of the Great Chain of Being, an ancient idea first conceived by Plato and Aristotle and later refined by medieval philosophers. It describes a hierarchical order of creation, with God at the top and dirt at the bottom, highlighting the beauty and danger of this worldview. The transcript also references 'pudo,' a term for cherubs in medieval and Renaissance art, and concludes with a poetic reflection on the implications of this hierarchy, emphasizing humanity's perceived superiority over nature.

Discuss the implications of the great chain of being on the perception of nature's importance.

What are 'pudo' and how do they relate to the great chain of being?