The Concept of epistrophé in Proclus, Damascius, and Dionysius the Pseudo-Areopagite: A Comparative Study
Abstract
This article explores the philosophical concept of epistrophé in a causal-metaphysical context. Epistrophé represents the final element of the famous Neoplatonic triad of moné, próodos, and epistrophé (remaining, procession, and reversion). The central aim of this article is to analyze the concept of epistrophé in Proclus, his pagan successor Damascius, and Dionysius the Pseudo-Areopagite, the most influential Christian recipient of Proclus. Both thinkers operate with different dependencies on the philosophy of Proclus, which forms their basis, and in so doing, develop their own autonomy. The comparative analysis of the concept of epistrophé serves, among other things, to crystallize the unique characteristics of these three thinkers and to demonstrate the complex relationships between them. Starting with a discussion of the concept of epistrophé in Proclus, particularly based on his Elements of Theology, the article then focuses on chapters 75-77 of Damascius’ Problems and Solutions Concerning First Principles. Here Damascius addresses some of the problems and difficulties inherent in the Neoplatonic concept of epistrophé that arise from Proclus’ formulations. Damascius’ discussion serves to clarify and deepen Proclus' understanding of epistrophé, maintaining substantial alignment with Proclus’ views. In contrast, Dionysius reinterprets the concept of epistrophé. To illustrate this Dionysian transformation, the article provides detailed explanations of three key passages from The Divine Names, supplemented by relevant excerpts from both late Neoplatonism and Patristics. These analyses demonstrate Dionysius’ shift from an ontological to a Christian soteriological understanding of epistrophé. Moreover, Dionysius expands upon the Neoplatonic triadic causal structure by adopting a tetrad, where epistrophé already serves as apokatástasis and is linked to the resurrection of the body. In this context, the article elucidates the fundamental distinction between the concepts of epistrophé and apokatástasis within Proclus’ philosophical framework.Downloads
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