THE INTELLIGIBLE TRIADIN NEO-PLATONISM AND PATRISTICS

Abstract

n this second part of his paper the author concerns with the question about in what way from the fourth century A. D. onward the theory of so-called «intelligible triad» (esse, vivere, intellegere) was borrowed from Neo-Platonic philosophy by some Christian theologians. This triad was mostly used to construct Christian trinitarian doctrine and to prove the consubstantiality, as well as the unity and diversity between three persons of the Holy Trinity. This theory was also used to demonstrate the existence of God as the unique Source of all being, life and intellect presented in the created order of beings, which gradually partake in these three Divine perfections. The «intelligible triad» also had an impact on the Patristic psychology, especially on the theory of self-conscientiousness and of the structure of human soul and of the universe.

Keywords

• Greek Philosophy
• Patristics
• Theology
• Christianity