Angelic utopia as a model for earthly society in the thought of Pseudo-Dionysius and Thomas Aquinas
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15633/lie.59107Keywords:
angels, state, Thomas Aquinas, Pseudo-Dionysius Areopagite, utopiaAbstract
The article deals with the issue regarding the influence of Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite and Thomas Aquinas’ science about the angels on the socio-political philosophy in the Middle Ages. The key concept in Pseudo-Dionysius’ angelology is “hierarchy”. This concept of hierarchy is based on the assumptions of Neoplatonic metaphysics, hence Pseudo-Dionysius presents angelic beings in the enneadic order. The hierarchy presented in this way influenced the understanding and justification of the social order in the middle ages, and the legitimacy of the structure of political power. Finally, according to these authors, the main goal of the angelic community is the unity of creation in God. Thus, the ideal earthly political order must also pursue eschatological goals.
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