Gregory Palamas’ Metaphysics of Light: The ‘absorption’ of the Body by the Spirit (Brill's Studies in Intellectual History, 356)

This book examines Gregory Palamas' perspective on light, applying the 'metaphysics of light' framework introduced by Clemens Baeumker and adapting it to propose a new theoretical approach to Palamas' thought. It explores Palamas' understanding of light, addressing its ontological, epistemological, and transformative aspects, which he articulates through the integration of scriptural exegesis and the direct experiences of monastic prayer. The analysis covers Palamas' key concepts, from the essence-energy distinction to the potential for experiencing the divine through the body in this life. The book situates Palamas' thought both within its historical context and the broader field of metaphysics, providing a philosophical perspective. This meticulous study invites readers interested in the intersections of Byzantine theology, philosophy, and metaphysics, offering a comprehensive examination of a system that challenges conventional views on corporeality and finitude. Front Cover Half Title Series Information Title Page Copyright Page Contents Preface Acknowledgements Notes on the Translation of Technical Terms Introduction 1 The Problem and Its History 2 Gregory Palamas 3 Hesychasm 4 Monasticism 5 Controversy with Barlaam of Calabria 6 The Works of Palamas and the Controversy 7 Philosophy and Theology 8 Energeiai 9 Metaphysics of Light 10 Questions and Paths to Be Developed 1 The Contemporary Reception of Palamas 2 Genesis of the Palamite Controversy 1 Procession of the Holy Spirit 1.1 Filioque 2 The Criticism of the Latin Position on the Procession of the Holy Spirit 3 The Demonstration in Theology 4 First Critiques to the Theory of Illumination 3 Light and the Psychophysical Method 1 Components of the Method 1.1 The Formula 1.2 Position of the Body and Breathing Technique 2 Descriptions of the Method 2.1 Μέθοδος τῆς ἱερᾶς προσευχῆς καὶ προσοχῆς Attributed to Symeon the New Theologian 2.2 Nicephorus the Hesychast’s Λόγος περὶ νήψεως καὶ φυλακῆς καρδίας 2.3 Gregory of Sinai’s Περὶ τῶν δύο τρόπων τῆς προσευχῆς 2.4 Kallistos and Ignatios Xanthopoulos’ Μέθοδος καὶ κανὼν ἀκριβής ... 2.5 Nicodemus the Hagiorite’s Ἐγχειρίδιον συμβουλευτικόν 2.6 Palamas: Method to the Inexperienced 4 Light and the Place of the Heart 1 The Natural Center 1.2 Location of the Intellect within the Body 2 The Metaphysical Center 2.1 Precedents for Palamas’ Conception of Heart 2.2 To Circumscribe the Incorporeal within the Body 5 Light and Corporeality 1 The Body as the Completeness of the Image of God 2 Impassibility 3 Anticipated Eschatology of the Body 6 Light and Deification 1 The (Super)Natural Character of Deification 7 Light and Vision 1 Intellectual Perception or Spiritual Senses 2 Modes of “Perception” of Light 2.1 Perception by the Intellect 2.1.1 Itinerary of the Hesychast 2.2 Perception by the Bodily Eyes 2.3 Vision of Light in the Future Life 3 Vision and Epektasis 8 Light and Knowledge 1 The Faculties of the Human Being 2 Natural Knowledge 2.1 Natural Knowledge of Finite Beings 2.2 Natural Knowledge of God 3 Supernatural Knowledge 3.1 Theory of Illumination 3.2 A Secret Knowledge 9 Metaphysics of Light 1 Transfiguration: From the Light of the Logos to the Hesychast Light 1.1 Brief Summary of the Interpretations of the Transfiguration of Christ 1.2 Palamas on the Transfiguration 2 The Nature of Light 2.1 Light as God’s Energy 2.1.1 Energies and Aristotle’s Categories 2.1.2 Essence 2.2 The Enhypostatic Character of Light 2.3 Light and “Essence” and “Energy”: Questions That Remain Concluding Remarks Bibliography Sources Works of Gregory Palamas (Critical Editions and Translations) Other Sources Ancient, Medieval, and Early Modern Authors Studies Lexicons and Dictionaries Index of Ancient, Medieval, and EarlyModern Authors Index of Concepts Index of Modern and Contemporary Authors Back Cover