Θρησκευτικαι καί μεταφυσικαί αναζητήσεις κατά τον Δ' αι. π.Χ. "Η θεολογία του Πλάτωνος και του 'Αριστοτέλους εν συνδυασμώ προς την του Ισοκράτους
Part of : Πλάτων : περιοδικό της Εταιρείας Ελλήνων Φιλολόγων ; Vol.ΛΒ-ΛΓ, No.63-66, 1980, pages 357-366
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357-366
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This chapter is concerned with religious ideas of Plato and Aristotle with reference to those of Isocrates. Pbto's theology was rather monotheistic on the whole and his paideia was a way to god. He preached the idea of theism although his theism was not without any idea of pantheism. Aristotle's god represents a development of Plato's theology. His god affects the universe but is not part of it. Isocrates does not adopt everything coming from mythology but at the same time he can not tern it down. In his opinion gods had no defects and they were the teachers of people by their perfect actions. Plato's god is just, good and wise, while Aristotle's god is unchangable and perfect. Aristotle can be characterised as the author of the classical concept of god. Regarding the relationship between god and people, all the three authors of ancient Athens accepted that gods were interested in people. We can say then that «deisimus» had not any place in their theology. People must do right in order to secure the favour of the gods ; this Isocrates' conception was very well engraved in his mind. Plato also believes that man must practise virtue throughout his life in order «to be likened unto god» (Rep. 613 A). Aristotle thinks that man must live in accordance with the highest thing in him which is mind and that human life must be divine. People must put the worship of the gods above all other activities. This opinion is stressed by Isocrates and Plato. The best way of worship in Isocrates' mind is to become good and righteous as much as possible. This is the greatest sacrifice and worship to the gods. In this point Isocrates surpasses the religious conceptions of his contemporaries and approaches the ideas of the prophets of the Old Testament. Generally speaking Plato's and Aristotle's theology was a great contribution to the ancient theology and influenced the theology of Hellenistic period. Isocrates’ religious ideas were important as well and to some extent coincide with those of the above ancient philosophers.
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