Contributions

  • Opsomer, Jan. - Contributor
  • Steel, Carlos G. - Contributor

Publication

2003 - Cornell University Press, Ithaca, N.Y, New York (State)

Language

English

Word Count

39,750 words, Guess

Page Count

159 pages

Identifiers

and 2 more
  • LibraryThing4745666
  • Goodreads1648836

Classifications

  • DDC111/.84
  • LCCB701.D4172 E5 2003

Description

"Proclus' On the Existence of Evils is not a commentary, but helps to compensate for the dearth of Neoplatonist ethical commentaries. The central question addressed in the work is: How can there be evil in a providential world? Neoplatonists agree that it cannot be caused by higher and worthier beings. Plotinus had said that evil is matter, which, unlike Aristotle, he collapsed into mere privation or lack, thus reducing its reality. He also protected higher causes from responsibility by saying that evil may result from a combination of goods. Proclus objects: evil is real, and not the mere privation of form. Rather, it is a parasite feeding off good. Parasites have no proper cause, and higher beings are thus vindicated as being the causes only of the good off which evil feeds."--BOOK JACKET.

Subjects

Topics

Genres

  • Early works to 1800.

Series Statement

  • [The Ancient commentators on Aristotle]

Other Editions

  • On the existence of evilsCornell University Press2003

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