Denys L'Areopagite et sa Posterite en Orient et en Occident
Frederick G. McLeod
Reviewed by: Denys L’Aréopagite et sa Postérité en Orient Occident Frederick G. McLeod Ysabel de Andia, editor. Occident. Actes du Colloque International Paris, 21–24 septembre 1994. Collections des Etudes Augustiniennes, Série Antiquité 151. Paris: Institut d’Études, 1997. Pp. 671. 432 FF. This volume contains thirty-one papers that were presented at the Second Congress on Dionysius Areopagite. It took place in Paris during September 1994 under leadership of Andia. includes a brief forward by Evanghelos Moutsopoulos, convener First year earlier Athens. He explains how two congresses, which had arranged their conferences separately, come to an agreement about establishment international congresses. also informs us his conference, though somewhat overlapping with present ones, have evaluated role Dionysius’ philosophy has played within historical development Platonic and Neoplatonic ontology. The contains, besides nineteen French, seven German, three English, one Spanish, Italian. These latter been summarized French resumes. Each assigned sections: “Dionysius’ Manuscript Tradition,” “Dionysius Neoplatonists,” John Scythopolis,” East,” West,” Palamism,” “Human Modern Times.” Besides subject index, there is special—and very helpful—one indicating where citations from works can be located volume. essays manuscript history trace diffusion Greek manuscripts later Latin translations Corpus dionysiacumin West, as well state text. Jean Irigoin recounts happy result legend portraying first bishop it inspired Carolingian King Louis Pious seek Byzantine Emperor Michael II early ninth century what now turned out oldest copy works. studies Syriac Armenian scholia indicate research regarding authenticity attributed Dionysius. In addition, translators provide grounds for interpreting meaning basic terms words they chose own languages. Beate Regina Suchla’s essay reveals profound impact Scythopolis (6th c.) upon East especially West establishing Chairman philosopher par excellence. [End Page 319] Several detailed examinations much dependent Neoplatonists, Proclus, Porphyre, Damascius, understanding God, idea unity, existence evil, negative method. A dozen others discuss such diverse subjects pivotal Abbey Saint Denis rendered introducing promoting Christology, influences Maximus Confessor, Symeon New Theologian, Albert Great, Thomas Aquinas, Bonaventure, appeal writings Iconoclast controversy, lastly mystical, discursive symbolic forms theological discourse assumed time Middle Ages. next section, essayists considered sway exercised over Gregory Palamas Akindynos (who was friend Barlaam but who differed explanation divinization). Of remaining five papers, are insightful treatment José Quiroga appealed defend Cross scope Negative Theology. other treat mystical thought received between years 1450 1750 philosophers applying critical reasoning, results Cardinal Cusa’s correspondence Benedictine monks concerning true sense Dionysian mysticism, difficulties encountered translating into Japanese. impressive work, wide-ranging informative. While difficult evaluate in...
Journal of Early Christian Studies