Angelic utopia as a model for earthly society in the thought of Pseudo-Dionysius and Thomas Aquinas

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15633/lie.59107

Keywords:

angels, state, Thomas Aquinas, Pseudo-Dionysius Areopagite, utopia

Abstract

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.

Author Biography

  • Marcin Tomasiewicz, Uniwersytet Papieski Jana Pawła II w Krakowie

    Marcin Tomasiewicz – teolog i prawnik, doktor nauk prawnych. Doktorant na kierunku filozofia na Uniwersytecie Papieskim Jana Pawła II w Krakowie.

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Published

2023-04-03

Issue

Vol. 59 No. 1 (2022)

Section

Articles

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