Christianity, Alexandria, and the Philosophical Tradition

Flashcards focused on key terms and concepts related to early Christian thought and philosophical traditions in Alexandria.

What is Platonism?

Platonism is a philosophical system originating with the works of Plato, emphasizing the existence of abstract objects and the importance of ideal forms.

What is Middle Platonism?

Middle Platonism is a phase of ancient philosophy that developed between Platonism and Neoplatonism, incorporating elements from Stoicism and Aristotelianism.

What is Two-Stage creation?

Two-Stage creation refers to the belief that the universe was created in two distinct phases, often involving a divide between the spiritual and material worlds.

What are Dynameis/Powers in philosophical context?

Dynameis or Powers refer to the divine forces or capacities that animate the universe, often linked to the action of Logos.

What does Logos and Sophia represent?

Logos represents the rational principle or divine reason, while Sophia symbolizes divine wisdom in philosophical and theological contexts.

What is the ontological divide?

The ontological divide refers to the distinction between different levels of existence or reality, often the separation between the physical and the spiritual realms.

What was the 'School at Alexandria'?

The School at Alexandria was an ancient institution of learning in Egypt, known for its diverse philosophical and theological teachings, including those of Platonism and Christianity.

What is Protreptikos?

Protreptikos is a term meaning 'exhortation,' commonly used to describe philosophical works intended to encourage students to pursue a philosophical life.

What does Paedagogos mean?

Paedagogos refers to a guide or teacher, particularly in the context of education and moral instruction.

What are Stromata/Stromateis?

Stromata or Stromateis are writings by Clement of Alexandria that explore Christian thought, integrating philosophy and theology.

Who were the Gnostic Christians?

Gnostic Christians held beliefs centered on esoteric knowledge (gnosis) and often viewed the material world as flawed or evil.

What does metriopatheia refer to?

Metriopatheia is the concept of being moderately affected by emotions, often contrasted with excessive emotional responses.

What is apatheia?

Apatheia is a state of being free from emotional disturbance and anxiety, regarded as an ideal in Stoic philosophy.

What are logikoi?

Logikoi refers to rational beings in philosophical contexts, emphasizing reason and intellect.

What is the concept of eternally begotten Son?

The eternally begotten Son refers to the Christian theological understanding of Jesus Christ as being begotten from the Father from all eternity.

What does incarnation (of the Word) mean?

Incarnation refers to the Christian belief that the Word (Logos) became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.

What are pre-existing souls?

Pre-existing souls refer to the belief that souls exist before entering physical bodies in the material world.

What is apokatastasis?

Apokatastasis is the concept of restoration, particularly the idea that all beings will ultimately be restored to their original state of union with the divine.

What is praktike?

Praktike refers to the practical aspect of philosophy, focusing on ethical actions and moral development.

What does physike refer to in philosophical texts?

Physike refers to the study of nature and the physical world, often associated with the natural philosophy.

What is theologia?

Theologia is the study of the divine, encompassing the nature of God and divine matters in philosophical and theological thought.