Synesius, the neoplatonic or Christian theologist?

Author(s):  A.A. Grechukhina, Belgorod National Research University, Belgorod, Russia, Nefi16@mail.ru

Issue:  Volume 46, № 2

Rubric:  Topical issues of world history

Annotation:  The focus of the study is on the life and views of Synesius known as Neo-Platonist, who are elected bishop of the inhabitants of Ptolemais. Remaining Neoplatonist, Synesius flexibly combines the philosophical and religious principles. Biography and heritage of Synesius interested historians, starting from the second half of the 19th century. The article provides information about biographical witting, identifies some letters and speeches of Synesius, including his attitude to the adoption of the bishopric. The author comes to the conclusion that Synesius, as a man of the late ancient world, is in a unique historical position. He is a prominent representative of the concept of «continuity-discontinuity», characteristic of the period of late antiquity. The study of the heritage of Synesius is appropriate for a detailed presentation of a person’s worldview, as an example of the transformation of a bright representative of the late antique culture into a Christian. Synesius, bishop of Ptolemais, known for his liminal nature of philosophical views.

Keywords:  late antiquity, Synesius of Kirene, religion, letters, hymns, Christian bishop, neoplatonism.

Full text (PDF):  Download

Downloads count:  249