The Mixed Life Of Plato’s Philebus In Psellos’ Chronographia (6a.8) Cover Image

The Mixed Life Of Plato’s Philebus In Psellos’ Chronographia (6a.8)
The Mixed Life Of Plato’s Philebus In Psellos’ Chronographia (6a.8)

Author(s): Frederick Lauritzen
Subject(s): History
Published by: Vizantološki institut SANU
Keywords: Mixed life; platonic ethics; Philebus; Proclus; Michael Psellos

Summary/Abstract: Michael Psellos (1018–1081) used neoplatonic ethics in Chronographia 6a8 in order to discredit Leo Paraspondylos. He was accused of being too strict and distant from the real world of politics. By claiming that the intellect also needs a natural environment, Psellos endorses the neoplatonic reading of Plato’s Philebus and at the same time the contemplation of nature of Maximus the Confessor. In other words he claims the Leo was neither a philosopher nor an accurate theologian and therefore could not be in charge of political affairs.

  • Issue Year: 2013
  • Issue No: 50/1
  • Page Range: 399-409
  • Page Count: 11
  • Language: English