The Ontological and Social Conception of God in Plutarch’s Dialogues (against the Background of Greek Theological Tradition) Cover Image

Bóg, istnienie i miłość: ontologiczna i społeczna koncepcja Boga w "Dialogach" Plutarcha z Cheronei na tle greckiej tradycji teologicznej
The Ontological and Social Conception of God in Plutarch’s Dialogues (against the Background of Greek Theological Tradition)

Author(s): Kazimierz Pawłowski
Subject(s): Theology and Religion, Ancient Philosphy, Philosophy of Religion
Published by: Instytut Tomistyczny
Keywords: Plutarch; Platon; średni platonizm; misteria; mistycyzm; teologia platońska

Summary/Abstract: The paper deals with two inconspicuous theological ideas put forward by Plutarch of Chaeronea in his two dialogues of the so-called ‘Delphi series’: one is the ‘ontological’ idea, pertaining to being or existence (On the E at Delphi), and the other is the ‘social’ conception of god (On the Obsolescence of Oracles). In the former dialogue, Plutarch describes god as a fulfi lled, self-existent, and unchangeable being, in opposition to the incomplete, dependent, and changeable being of material things that are in continuous process of becoming. In the latter dialogue, Plutarch characterizes god as a being able to love and maintain social relationships marked by love. Both conceptions appear to anticipate theological ideas of some Christian philosophers. Plutarch’s theological conceptions are depicted against the background of Greek theological tradition.

  • Issue Year: 2015
  • Issue No: XXI
  • Page Range: 35-39
  • Page Count: 15
  • Language: Polish