The family sponsored an academy where artists and intellectuals met to discuss the intersection of classical culture and its relationship to christianity, giving rise to philosophy.

I think the answer is the Medici family and Humanism.

The Medici family or also known as the House of Medici, is known to be one of the most affluent families in Florence. These family produced 4 popes in their time. They gave rise to Florence and Humanism. Humanism is a philosophy that centered to around man rather than religion and other factors.