Abstract
The study deals with Philo’s elaboration of the Stoic doctrine of the rational emotions (εὐπάθειαι) as the perfect states of the relationship between the mind and senses within a soul. This is presented in three types of disposition of the rational and irrational parts of a soul: The first is joy (χαρά), a perfect disposition between mind and sense where the latter reflects the mind’s understanding of the universe as God’s work and God’s providence. The second is caution or watchfulness (εὐλάβεια). Philo reveals this good emotion in the twofold aspect: the flight from the inner danger of the mind’s closeness in the sensual realm and the flight from the outer exterior danger of the mind’s submission to the sensual sphere towards the supernatural vision of God’s Logos in the universe. The third emotion is the rational wishing (βούλησις), whose disclosure we find in Philo’s interpretation of reverence (αἰδώς). This feeling, to Philo, expresses the state of mind of seeking the truth but without the ability to reach it by itself. In the framework of rational wishing, Philo regards the problem of the progress of the soul’s education, namely an initial point where a soul must be humble to understand its divine source and its way in life and be disposed to guidance by The Divine Logos as its Monitor. As a result, the rational potential of sense and the irrational force of the human mind in Philo’s works are revealed.
Presenters
Maksim PrikhodkoResearch Assistant, Russian Christian Academy for the Humanities, Sankt-Peterburg, Russian Federation
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Mind, Soul, Sense, Emotions, Passions, Eupatheiai, Logos, Stoicism, Nature
