SOME OBSERVATIONS ON SYMBOLISM IN THE WRITINGS OF CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA Cover Image

О НЕКОТОРЫХ ОСОБЕННОСТЯХ СИМВОЛИЗМА В СОЧИНЕНИЯХ КЛИМЕНТА АЛЕКСАНДРИЙСКОГО
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON SYMBOLISM IN THE WRITINGS OF CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA

Author(s): Dmitry Kurdybaylo, Ivan Gerasimov
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Philosophy, Semiotics / Semiology, Theoretical Linguistics, History of Philosophy, Special Branches of Philosophy, Theology and Religion, Ancient Philosphy, Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy of Language, Biblical studies
Published by: Новосибирский государственный университет
Keywords: symbol; allegory; hermeneutics; Bible exegetics; philosophy of language; semiotics; ancient philosophy; the School of Alexandria; Ante-Nicene theology;

Summary/Abstract: The use of term σύμβολον in Clement’s writings is problematic because of differences between common doctrine of symbol and symbolism expressed by Clement almost theoretically, and particular examples of symbolism and allegoric exegesis, where Clement’s wording and underlying conceptions are strongly dependent on the relevant contexts. In order to bring the most instances of σύμβολον in a system we propose some classifications. Firstly, according to their function, we distinguish ‘protective,’ ‘anagogic,’ and ‘manifestative’ symbols; secondly, according to the contexts in which they predominantly appear, such as the Pythagorean tradition, Greek Mysteries, Egyptian religion and hieroglyphic script, and extracts from the Greek grammarians; finally, in the context of Biblical exegesis, where one can distinguish instances of typology, morally instructive allegory and symbolism per se. In the latter case the nature of symbol is constituted by Divine Logos who “signifies the invisible link between earth and heaven.” Such a reading clarifies the ontological importance of symbolism for Clement’s metaphysics and philosophy, and helps to explain some difficulties in Clement’s writings actual for Western theology.

  • Issue Year: X/2016
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 592-607
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: Russian