This book examines Clement of Alexandria’s interdisciplinary
approach to nature contemplation—which he terms “physiology” and
“physics”—showing its internal consistency even in the absence
of a clear methodological outline. It reconstructs Clement’s method
of nature contemplation, which, while discernible throughout his
writings, does not feature as such in one place. Yet it exists within
the second stage of the broader threefold roadmap of spiritual
advancement, which progresses from ethics to physics to divine vision
(“epoptics”). Specifically, Clement’s physics itself has three
steps: analysis, interpretation, and the spiritual vision of the
world. To advance through the three stages of physics, one must
acquire virtue, contemplative skills, and sound information regarding
the nature of things. But only transformed people, whom Clement calls
“holy gnostics,” saintly sages, have access to the final stage,
“gnostic physiology.” This third step amounts to an
insightful—“noetic”—perception of nature irreducible to either
keen observation or the information gathered and processed by way of
analysis and interpretation. This book presents Clement’s method
against the backdrop of ancient disciplines of nature
contemplation—and as paving the way for contemporary science-engaged
theology. The volume is suitable for postgraduate students and
scholars of the history of science and religion, religious studies,
early Christian and late antique studies, and patristic studies,
particularly those working on Clement of Alexandria.
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Elements of the Method
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9781040381076
Publisert
2025
Utgave
1. utgave
Utgiver
Taylor & Francis
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter