(Mystical Realism of Gnoseology of Symeon the New Theologian)

Abstract: The present contribution examines the philosophical and gnoseological position of Symeon the New Theologian (949 – 1022), which could be described as a mystical realism. Under this term, we may understand the true, objective view and expression of the ideal object of transcendent reality by way of special means. We shall endeavour to justify that this gnoseological approach of Symeon is compatible with the Orthodox dogmatic theology while fully respecting its boundaries. We plan to point to the fact that Symeon´s theory of knowledge was alien to every extreme and that he, on the contrary, occupied a dialectical position that could be characterized as a golden mean between two extremes – on the one hand, he was a convinced gnoseological optimist, on the other hand, he was a conscious agnostic. The prime aim of this study is to clarify that mystical realism perceived in this way represents an authentic way of Orthodox gnoseology, which is based on the actual experience of the Uncreated (God) perceived by His creation (man).

Author: Župina, Miroslav

DOI: 10.17846/CL.2017.10.1.73-82

Publication order reference: doc. ThDr. Miroslav Župina, PhD.; University of Prešov, Faculty of Orthodox Theology, Department of Practical and Systematic Theology, Masarykova 15, 080 01 Prešov, Slovakia; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Source: Konštatínove listy, 2017, vol.: 10, issue: 1, pages: 73-82 (PDF file)

Key words: SYMEON THE NEW THEOLOGIAN, GNOSEOLOGY, MYSTICAL REALISM, EMPIRICAL THEOLOGY, THEOLOGY OF HOLY FATHERS, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

Language: SLOVAK