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John Scottus Eriugena: The Later Middle Ages' Preeminent Neoplatonist

Esteban Cox

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John Scottus Eriugena (c. 810 - c. 877 CE) was one of the most important and influential philosophers of the Middle Ages. His work, which was deeply influenced by Neoplatonism, had a profound impact on the development of Western thought.

John Scottus Eriugena

by Deirdre Carabine

4.3 out of 5

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Life and Work

Eriugena was born in Ireland in the early 9th century. He was educated at the monastery of Clonard, where he studied the works of Plato, Aristotle, and the Neoplatonists. In the mid-9th century, Eriugena traveled to France, where he became a member of the court of Charles the Bald. Charles was a great patron of learning, and he commissioned Eriugena to translate the works of the Greek Neoplatonist philosopher Proclus into Latin.

Eriugena's translation of Proclus was a major event in the history of Western thought. It made the works of Neoplatonism available to a wider audience, and it had a significant influence on the development of medieval philosophy. Eriugena's own philosophical work was also deeply influenced by Neoplatonism. His most important work, the Periphyseon (On the Division of Nature),is a vast and complex treatise that attempts to synthesize the teachings of Plato, Aristotle, and the Neoplatonists into a single, comprehensive system of thought.

Eriugena's Periphyseon

The Periphyseon is divided into five books. The first book deals with the nature of God. Eriugena argues that God is the ultimate reality, and that all other things are created by God and exist in God. The second book deals with the nature of creation. Eriugena argues that creation is a process of emanation, in which God creates the world by overflowing into it. The third book deals with the nature of the human soul. Eriugena argues that the human soul is a created being, but that it is also a part of God. The fourth book deals with the nature of evil. Eriugena argues that evil is not a substance, but rather a privation of good. The fifth book deals with the nature of the end of the world. Eriugena argues that the end of the world will be a return to God, in which all things will be united with God.

Eriugena's View of God

Eriugena's view of God is deeply rooted in the Neoplatonic tradition. He argues that God is the ultimate reality, and that all other things are created by God and exist in God. Eriugena's God is not a personal God, but rather an impersonal, transcendent being. He is the source of all being, and he is beyond all categories of human thought.

Eriugena's Political Thought

Eriugena's political thought is also deeply influenced by Neoplatonism. He argues that the ideal state is a monarchy, in which the king is a representative of God on earth. The king's duty is to rule according to the laws of God, and to promote the well-being of his subjects. Eriugena's political thought was highly controversial in his own time, and it was condemned by the Church. However, it had a significant influence on the development of later political thought.

Eriugena's Influence on Later Thinkers

Eriugena's work had a profound impact on the development of Western thought. He was one of the most important figures in the transmission of Neoplatonism to the Middle Ages, and his work had a significant influence on the development of medieval philosophy, theology, and political thought. Eriugena's work was also influential in the Renaissance and the early modern period. He was a major source of inspiration for the Italian Renaissance philosopher Marsilio Ficino, and his work was also studied by the English philosopher John Milton.

John Scottus Eriugena was one of the most important and influential philosophers of the Middle Ages. His work, which was deeply influenced by Neoplatonism, had a profound impact on the development of Western thought. Eriugena's work is still studied and debated today, and he continues to be a source of inspiration for philosophers and theologians.

John Scottus Eriugena

by Deirdre Carabine

4.3 out of 5