[en] While Neoplatonists have little to say on the topic of conflict and violence in their ethics or political philosophy, they use these concepts in order to discuss other issues. Plotinus considers violence as a way of testing one’s alignment with the cosmic order set by Providence. Porphyry and Iamblichus shift the emphasis to withdrawal from the body and universal cosmodicy, neutralizing the special role of violence. Proclus walks in their footsteps, but also gives a new epistemological meaning to conflict: civil war within the soul is a necessary condition for learning and doing philosophy.
Disciplines :
Philosophy & ethics Classical & oriental studies
Author, co-author :
Tresnie, Corentin ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de philosophie > Philosophie de l'éducation
Language :
English
Title :
Conflict and Violence in Neoplatonism: From Cosmic Justice to Cognitive Step
Alternative titles :
[fr] Conflit et violence dans le néoplatonisme : De la justice cosmique à l'étape cognitive
