Negation as Infinite Affirmation Cover Image

Negation as Infinite Affirmation
Negation as Infinite Affirmation

The Apophatic Theology of Saint Dionysius the Areopagite

Author(s): Grigore Dinu Moş
Subject(s): Philosophy, Metaphysics, Theology and Religion, Systematic Theology, Eastern Orthodoxy
Published by: Editura Eikon
Keywords: apophatic theology; Dionysius the Areopagite; Eastern Orthodox Tradition; alterity; transcendence; infinity;

Summary/Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to identify the meaning of negation in Dionysius the Areopagite’s apophatism: how and towards which reality does it orient contemplation and what does it actually say about God who reveals Himself? My fundamental thesis is that, in fact, the ​apophatic negation in Dionysius the Areopagite’s teachings, as well as in those of other Eastern fathers conceals a super-affirmation, it indicates an infinite affirmation, beyond any determination. The meaning of the apophatic negation can be grasped at the confluence of three specific supra-intelligible terms: the alterity, the transcendence and the excess (the infinity).

  • Issue Year: 2/2019
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 25-36
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: English