Chaldean and Neo-Platonic Theology

Philosophia e-journal of philosophy & culture 14

19 Pages Posted: 29 Dec 2016 Last revised: 6 Jan 2017

See all articles by Katelis Viglas

Katelis Viglas

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; University of Ioannina; Academy of Athens

Date Written: December 27, 2016

Abstract

In the present paper, the meanings the term “Chaldeans” acquired during the Antiquity and the early Middle Ages are presented, but mainly the role the Chaldean Oracles played inside the movement of Neo-Platonism is emphasized. The stratification of Being according to the theology of the Chaldean Oracles, suggests a reformation of the ancient Chaldean dogmas by the Neo-Platonists. The kernel of this paper is the demonstration of the similarity between the name “En” that the ancient Babylonians used as the first part of many compound words for their gods, with the One (Ἕν=En), the first theological principle in the Neo-Platonic system. Yet, a comparison between the Chaldean theology and the Neo-platonic views on Mysticism and religiosity follows. As it is well known, the later Neo-Platonism will be led to the creation of a way of thought and practice as impacts from the ancient tradition.

Keywords: Chaldeans, Oracles, Neo-Platonism, Plotinus, Theology, Ancient Religions

Suggested Citation

Viglas, Katelis, Chaldean and Neo-Platonic Theology (December 27, 2016). Philosophia e-journal of philosophy & culture 14, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2890835

Katelis Viglas (Contact Author)

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki ( email )

Thessaloniki
Greece

University of Ioannina ( email )

Campus Psathaki
Ioannina, Epirus 48100
Greece

Academy of Athens ( email )

Athens
Greece

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