Gregory Palamas’ Metaphysics of Light

The ‘Absorption’ of the Body by the Spirit

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This book examines Gregory Palamas’ perspective on light, applying the 'metaphysics of light' framework introduced by Clemens Baeumker and adapting it to propose a new theoretical approach to Palamas’ thought. It explores Palamas’ understanding of light, addressing its ontological, epistemological, and transformative aspects, which he articulates through the integration of scriptural exegesis and the direct experiences of monastic prayer. The analysis covers Palamas’ key concepts, from the essence-energy distinction to the potential for experiencing the divine through the body in this life. The book situates Palamas’ thought both within its historical context and the broader field of metaphysics, providing a philosophical perspective. This meticulous study invites readers interested in the intersections of Byzantine theology, philosophy, and metaphysics, offering a comprehensive examination of a system that challenges conventional views on corporeality and finitude.
Copyright Year:
2025
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Published
ISBN:
978-90-04-69971-7
Publication:
23 Dec 2024
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Published
ISBN:
978-90-04-69970-0
Publication:
19 Dec 2024
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Patrícia Calvário is a historian of medieval and early modern philosophy and a scientific collaborator at the Institut Supérieur de Philosophie of the Université Catholique de Louvain. Her research interests include Greek Patristics, Hesychasm, and the Beatific Vision, with a focus on the connections between Byzantine theology and the philosophical traditions of the Second Scholasticism.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgements
Notes on the Translation of Technical Terms

Introduction
 1 The Problem and Its History
 2 Gregory Palamas
 3 Hesychasm
 4 Monasticism
 5 Controversy with Barlaam of Calabria
 6 The Works of Palamas and the Controversy
 7 Philosophy and Theology
 8 Energeiai
 9 Metaphysics of Light
 10 Questions and Paths to Be Developed

1 The Contemporary Reception of Palamas

2 Genesis of the Palamite Controversy
 1 Procession of the Holy Spirit
 2 The Criticism of the Latin Position on the Procession of the Holy Spirit
 3 The Demonstration in Theology
 4 First Critiques to the Theory of Illumination

3 Light and the Psychophysical Method
 1 Components of the Method
 2 Descriptions of the Method

4 Light and the Place of the Heart
 1 The Natural Center
 2 The Metaphysical Center

5 Light and Corporeality
 1 The Body as the Completeness of the Image of God
 2 Impassibility
 3 Anticipated Eschatology of the Body

6 Light and Deification
 1 The (Super)Natural Character of Deification

7 Light and Vision
 1 Intellectual Perception or Spiritual Senses
 2 Modes of “Perception” of Light
 3 Vision and Epektasis

8 Light and Knowledge
 1 The Faculties of Human Being
 2 Natural Knowledge
 3 Supernatural Knowledge

9 Metaphysics of Light
 1 Transfiguration: from the Light of the Logos to the Hesychast Light
 2 The Nature of Light

Concluding Remarks
Bibliography
Index
Scholars and students specializing in medieval and Byzantine philosophy and Eastern Orthodox theology. Keywords: Transfiguration, Hesychast Prayer, Essence-Energy Distinction, Divine Experience, corporeality, Barlaam, reception of Palamas, deification, theosis, Psychophysical Method, illumination, heart, perception of light, enhypostatic, eschatology.
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