Oddcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP)
Jonathan Greig on the East Roman Proclus Reception, Sixth to Fifteenth Centuries
Jul 2, 2024
Jonathan Greig, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Leuven and an expert on Proclus in East Rome, dives into the fascinating reception of Proclus' philosophy from the 6th to the 15th centuries. He discusses the dynamic interplay between pagan and Christian thought, focusing on key figures like Maximus the Confessor and Gregory Palamas. The conversation highlights theological controversies, including the hesychastic debates, and how Proclus' ideas were reinterpreted across centuries, leaving a lasting impact on Byzantine intellectual life.
57:34
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Quick takeaways
- The closing of the Athenian Academy ignited complex dialogues between pagan and Christian thought, highlighting nuanced receptions of Proclus in the Eastern Roman Empire.
- Proclus' ideas permeated later thinkers like Maximus the Confessor, illustrating a rich tapestry of philosophical thought through indirect influences despite lacking direct references.
Deep dives
The Closing of the Athenian Academy and Proclus' Influence
The closing of the Athenian Academy under Emperor Justinian marked a significant moment in the history of philosophy, impacting polytheist Platonism. This event could have prompted an animosity towards Proclus from Christian intellectuals, yet discussions revealed a more nuanced reception. Despite the prejudices associated with pagan philosophies, some Christian scholars, such as Pseudo-Dionysius and Maximus the Confessor, were influenced by Proclus. This suggests that rather than outright condemnation, there was a complex dialogue between pagan and Christian thought in the Eastern Roman Empire.
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