Lesson 3.8: Into the Void

Glossary

Important Philosophical Periods

• Scholasticism — A medieval intellectual movement aiming to reconcile classical philosophy (especially Aristotle) with Christian theology. It emphasized logic and dialectical reasoning, often at the expense of broader philosophical exploration.

• Thomism — The philosophical theology of Thomas Aquinas, blending Aristotelian logic with Catholic doctrine. Though highly systematic and rational, it retained core religious tenets accepted on faith.

• The Doctrine of Two Truths — A view (often attributed to certain medieval thinkers) that theological and philosophical truths could both be valid, even when contradictory. Seen as a way to protect reasoned inquiry while maintaining orthodoxy.

• Neoplatonism — A late ancient philosophical tradition inspired by Plato, emphasizing metaphysical hierarchy, the soul’s ascent, and mystical union with “The One.” Influential in early Christian mysticism.

• Christian Mysticism — A set of theological and experiential practices aiming at direct union with God, often rooted in Neoplatonic frameworks and structured along spiritual “paths” or “ascents.”

• Renaissance Humanism —A 14th–16th century intellectual movement that emphasized the study of classical texts, individual dignity, and the potential of human reason—often in contrast with medieval scholasticism.

Ideas and Shifts in Practice

• The Closing of the Western Mind — Freeman’s phrase describing how the rise of Christian orthodoxy led to the suppression of intellectual pluralism, narrowing the scope of reason and philosophy.

• Faith vs. Reason — A central tension in this era. Whereas classical philosophy emphasized inquiry, Christianity began to emphasize obedience to revealed doctrine.

• Philosophy as Way of Life — A classical idea that philosophy is not just abstract theorizing, but a set of practices aimed at personal transformation. Christianity inherited this structure but redefined it through moral obedience.

• Eclipse of Naturalism — Moral and metaphysical theories that once explained human flourishing through nature (e.g., Stoicism, Epicureanism, Aristotelianism) were displaced by supernatural frameworks centered on divine command.

• Intellectual Authoritarianism — With the fusion of church and state, theological disagreement was often settled by imperial decree rather than rational dialogue, fostering a culture of obedience over inquiry.

Doctrinal and Institutional Terms

• Original Sin — Augustine’s doctrine that all humans inherit sin and guilt from Adam’s transgression. Justifies the need for divine grace and baptism.

• Divine Command Theory — The idea that what is morally right is whatever God commands. In Augustine’s later work, this replaced virtue ethics as the dominant moral framework.

• Orthodoxy — Doctrinal correctness as defined by the institutional Church. Often determined through political processes and enforced by imperial or ecclesiastical power.

• Heresy — Any belief or practice deemed contrary to Church orthodoxy. Heretics were often punished with exile, excommunication, or violence.

• Monasticism — A lifestyle of religious withdrawal, asceticism, and communal living aimed at spiritual purification. Became key to the preservation of classical texts during the early Middle Ages.

• Divine Grace — In Christian theology, the unearned favor of God that enables human beings to turn toward the good. Augustine saw it as essential for salvation and moral action.

Historical Events and Figures

• Council of Nicaea (325 CE) — The first ecumenical council of Christian bishops, called by Emperor Constantine to settle theological disputes—most notably the nature of Christ's divinity.

• Athanasius (c. 297–373 CE) — Bishop of Alexandria and theological architect of Nicene Christianity. Fierce opponent of Arianism and champion of the co-equality of the Son with the Father.

• Augustine of Hippo (354–430 CE) — Christian theologian and philosopher whose works, especially Confessions and City of God, shaped Western notions of the self, original sin, and divine grace.

• Boethius (c. 480–524 CE) — Roman philosopher who preserved Aristotelian logic in Latin. His Consolation of Philosophy bridged pagan and Christian thought during the early Middle Ages.

• Cassiodorus (c. 485–585 CE) — Roman statesman and monk who founded a scriptorium to preserve classical works, ensuring their survival in Western monastic libraries.

• Odoacer (d. 493 CE) — Germanic warlord who deposed the last Western Roman Emperor in 476 CE. Marked the formal end of Western imperial rule.

• Justinian I (482–565 CE) — Byzantine Emperor who closed Plato’s Academy and suppressed paganism, consolidating Christian orthodoxy in the Eastern Roman Empire.

Words You Might Not Know

• Eudaimonia — A Greek term usually translated as “flourishing” or “human well-being.” Central to ancient ethics, it denotes the goal of living a virtuous, fulfilled life.

• Apatheia — In Stoicism, the ideal state of inner calm and freedom from irrational passions—achieved through rational mastery of one's desires.

• Parresia — Bold, honest speech, especially when speaking truth to power. Valued by Cynics and early monastics alike.

• Homoousios — “Of the same substance” (Greek). Declared at the Council of Nicaea to affirm that Christ is fully divine, equal with God the Father.

• Creation ex nihilo — The belief that God created the world “out of nothing.” Central to Christian doctrine and a major departure from classical Greek metaphysics.

• Transubstantiation — The belief that bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist, even though their physical appearance remains unchanged.

• Logismoi — “Thoughts” or temptations, often considered demonic distractions in monastic literature. The Desert Fathers developed techniques to combat them.

• Theoria — Greek for “contemplation.” In both pagan and Christian traditions, it refers to the mental or spiritual vision of truth, often of divine realities.

• Occultissimi — Latin for “the most hidden.” Augustine used this term to describe theological mysteries that defy rational explanation—especially around divine justice and grace.