Platonisme Original Au XIIe Siecle

By Iryna Lystopad

Book Description

This scholarly exploration delves into the profound metaphysical teachings of Achard de Saint-Victor, a lesser-known but intellectually formidable thinker from the renowned School of Saint-Victor in 12th-century Paris. Through careful analysis of Achard's work "De unitate et pluralitate creaturarum," author Iryna Lystopad reveals how this medieval master grappled with fundamental questions about the nature of unity and plurality in both divine and created realms.

The book examines how Achard drew upon Platonic and Neoplatonic philosophical traditions to address complex theological and metaphysical problems, particularly the coexistence of oneness and multiplicity within God and creation. Despite the scarcity of original Platonic sources available in the 12th century, Achard demonstrated remarkable philosophical sophistication in his approach to understanding divine unity, the Trinity, and the eternal reasons within the Word of God.

Lystopad's research illuminates two significant historical questions: which Platonic elements were actually accessible to medieval thinkers, and how the Victorine school integrated this ancient wisdom into Christian thought. The work explores profound philosophical challenges including the multiplication of intelligible and sensible objects, the definition of essence, and questions of identity and being.

For readers interested in the intersection of ancient wisdom and medieval spirituality, this study offers valuable insights into how timeless philosophical questions about unity, plurality, and divine nature were approached by one of history's thoughtful spiritual teachers.