ISSN 1337-8740 (print) | ISSN 2453-7675 (online) | EV 5344/16

PROCLUS’ NEOPLATONIC POLYTHEISM AND NICHOLAS OF METHONE’S CHRISTIAN MONOTHEISM

(Proklov neoplatonický polyteizmus a kresťanský monoteizmus Mikuláša z Methone)

Abstract: In this article, the author attempts to present some of the differences between Nicholas of Methone and Proclus regarding the meaning of the production. More specifically, he gives emphasis to the following: Proclus, through his analytical description on the development of the divine beings, structures a rational Metaphysics and describes the special ways in which the production of the natural world is activated. On the other hand, Nicholas generally speaks about the characteristics of the production and avoids introducing human knowledge into the area of the divine providence. Proclus considers production to be a necessary step in the internal dialectic of the supreme Principle, which is almost set under a developmental process that is pushed by its internal powers, which then will organise the terms for the formation of the cosmic becoming. On his part, Nicholas, by giving emphasis particularly to the divine will, excludes the possibility of an inevitable appearance of the created world, the existence of which is considered to be possible or potential and is independent of any kind of stereotypical determinism.

Authors: Terezis, Christos

DOI: 10.17846/CL.2017.10.1.43-54

Publication order reference: PhDr. Prof. Christos Terezis; University of Patras, Department of Philosophy, 26500, Rion-Patras, Greece; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Source: Konštatínove listy, 2017, vol.: 10, issue: 1, pages: 43-54 (PDF file)

Key words: NICHOLAS OF METHONE, PROCLUS, MONO-CAUSALITY, MULTI-CAUSALITY, ONE-GOOD

Language: ENGLISH