In a crucial point of his theology (why did God create the world?) Dionysius writes that the First Cause was compelled by Eros to act, and the word used is πρακτικεύεσθαι, never heard before. In ancient Greek 43 verbs ending in -κεύομαι are recorded, scattered among many writers. The only one, who shows a predilection for them is Damascius, who makes use of λογικεύομαι, μαθηματικεύομαι, μαθητικεύομαι (the last one very likely his own creation), always with a somewhat disparaging meaning. Therefore πρακτικεύεσθαι would be “act ostentatiously”, not without an ironic nuance. Crediting to Eros the supreme force would be expected in a man exceedingly capable of it, just as Damascius says of himself.
Mazzucchi, C., Areopagiticum novissimum, <<AEVUM>>, 2023; 97 (1): 175-178. [doi:10.26350/000193_000159] [https://hdl.handle.net/10807/241494]
Areopagiticum novissimum
Mazzucchi, Carlo
2023
Abstract
In a crucial point of his theology (why did God create the world?) Dionysius writes that the First Cause was compelled by Eros to act, and the word used is πρακτικεύεσθαι, never heard before. In ancient Greek 43 verbs ending in -κεύομαι are recorded, scattered among many writers. The only one, who shows a predilection for them is Damascius, who makes use of λογικεύομαι, μαθηματικεύομαι, μαθητικεύομαι (the last one very likely his own creation), always with a somewhat disparaging meaning. Therefore πρακτικεύεσθαι would be “act ostentatiously”, not without an ironic nuance. Crediting to Eros the supreme force would be expected in a man exceedingly capable of it, just as Damascius says of himself.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.