NOCTUA
La tradizione filosofica dall’antico al moderno
History of Philosophy from the Ancient to the Modern Age
Autore / Author: Ilaria Grimaldi
Affiliazione / Author affiliation: Università degli Studi di Salerno
Titolo / Title: La riflessione neoplatonica sul dinamismo della natura. Damascio a confronto con Proclo
Abstract: The present study analyses Damascius’ naturalism in the light of the definition of the activities attributed to φύσις. This subject will be examined both by reference to Galen’s physiology and by comparison with Proclus’ naturalistic doctrine, which is characterised in a theological sense. Like Galen, Proclus and Damascius reject the autonomistic and mechanistic conception of nature, and to varying degrees they are critical of Aristotelian naturalism and psychology. Instead, the three thinkers considered propose an interpretation of natural phenomena that is firmly centred on the causal and finalist function of the principles governing the physical domain. In particular, it is emphasised that, in the case of the two Neoplatonists studied, this aetiological and teleological approach to physical research is transformed into a structured metaphysical theorisation of causality that transcends the empirical realm.
Keywords: nature; Damascius; Galenic physiology; Proclus’ theological doctrine; causality; transcendental principles.
English title: The Neoplatonic Reflection on the Dynamics of Nature. Damascius in Comparison with Proclus
DOI: 10.14640/NoctuaXII8
Rivista / Journal: Noctua
ISSN: 2284-1180
Anno / Volume: XII
Fascicolo / Issue: 2
Pagine / Pages: 298-325
Ricevuto / Submitted: 28/11/2024
Accettato / Accepted: 12/04/2025
Pubblicato / Published: 03/10/2025
Permalink: https://dx.doi.org/10.14640/NoctuaXII8
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ISSN 2284-1180