Reenvisioning Plotinus' Doctrine of the Triad in Byzantine Christianity as a New Type of Ethics

Bibliographic Data

ID4313397
AuthorsOlga Vasilievna Chistyakova (0000-0002-1074-0913, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, corresponding author), Denis Chistyakov (0000-0001-8805-297X, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia), Denis Igorevich Chistyakov
Year2023
Volume14
Issue2
Pages151
Publication date2023-01-28
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel14020151
OpenAlexW4318472616
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited8

This article reveals the continuity of Neoplatonic ideas in Greek-Byzantine patristics in the process of elaboration of the triadic dogma by the Church Fathers. Common and distinctive principles of Neoplatonism and Eastern Christianity are deduced from the point of view of the shaping of Christian ethics and the processing of Neoplatonic concepts in patristic texts. In more specific terms, Plotinus' concept of the triad of the One-the Intellect-the Soul is considered, with special attention paid to analysis of the philosopher's ideas of the One as Deity and the Origin of the world. It describes the process of emanation of the Neoplatonic trinity hypostasis and its connection with the material world through the World Soul. In comparison with Neoplatonism, the authors of the article present the molding of the dogma of the Holy Trinity in classical Greek-Byzantine patristics and highlight the new, theological-ethical vision of Plotinus' triad as a form of the interconnection of the three Persons of the Trinity, expressing the absoluteness of interpersonal relations. In terms of philosophical ethics, the authors state that the Church Fathers' understanding of the relationship among the three hypostases of the Holy Trinity serves as a model of perfect moral relationships demonstrating the absolute norms of morality for a human being. Neoplatonism was deprived of such a context in its interpretation of Plotinus' triad. The creative and critical perception of Plotinus' conceptual positions in the works of St. Athanasius is presented. Conclusions are made about the creative, sometimes critical, perception of the ideas of Neoplatonism in the formation of a new type of Christian ethics

Absoluteness · Art · Byzantine architecture · Christianity · Epistemology · Intellect · Literature · Neoplatonism · Psychoanalysis · Soul · Theology · Byzantine Studies and History · Classical Philosophy and Thought · Classics · Historical, Religious, and Philosophical Studies · History · Philosophy · Psychology

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access