Neoplatonic Providence and Descent: a Test-Case from Proclus’ Alcibiades Commentary

Abstract

This article deals with the complex relation between providence and descent in Neoplatonism, with particular reference to Proclus and especially his Commentary on the First Alcibiades. At least according to this work, descent is only a species of providence, because there can be providence without any descent. Whereas the gods (for instance the Henads) provide for our cosmos without descending to it, a large group of souls provide for our cosmos by descending to it. The former kind of providence is better than the latter, even if it is necessary that souls descend in order to give existence to the beautiful cosmos. The following study deals with providence as descent, looking at it from two angles. In the first section I show that Proclus designates this form of providence in two rather surprising ways. One term he uses for it, which will be well known to readers of Plotinus, is τόλµα (audacity)—this despite the word’s negative connotations due to its Neopythagorean and Gnostic origin. A second name for descended providence is ἐπιστροφή (‘reversion’ or better ‘turning one’s attention’). Again, this may be surprising, since we usually expect this term to express the ‘turning back’ of a lower effect to its cause. In Proclus, the word ἐπιστροφή too can have negative connotations, but he also uses it in a positive way when applying it to providence. In the second part of the paper, I explain how Socrates’ providence for Alcibiades (as seen in the Alcibiades I) can be undefiled (i.e. unmixed), even if Socrates necessarily descends as he offers providential guidance. Proclus’ comparison of Socrates with Hercules, who went to the Underworld in order to save Theseus, serves as a positive illustration of Socrates’ divinelike providence, and marks the deficiency of Socrates (or Hercules as a ‘semi-god’) compared to the transcendent and undefiled providence of Neoplatonic divinities.

The Adaptation and Development of the Proclean Notion of Κατάβασις: From Proclus to Maximus the Confessor

“…20-21. Also see (Vasilakis 2019b), where he interpreted 'the reversion to inferior beings' as meaning the providential movement of Socrates. See (Wohl 2012) who argued that the contemplation on Socrates' vita and dicta functioned as a significant pedagogical methodology that enabled Alcibiades (and also the readers of the Alcibiades I) to imitate the perfect life of Socrates in real life.…”

Love as Descent: Comparing the Models of Proclus and Dionysius through Eriugena

“…12 Most notably (Vasilakis 2019a); the present paragraph, as well as the previous one in my main text, is based on this article of mine, to which I refer the reader for annotation, further references and relevant discussion (including translation issues).…”