La riflessione neoplatonica sul dinamismo della natura. Damascio a confronto con Proclo

Abstract

The present study analyses Damascius’ naturalism in the light of the definition of the activities attributed to φύσις. This subject will be examined both by reference to Galen’s physiology and by comparison with Proclus’ naturalistic doctrine, which is characterised in a theological sense. Like Galen, Proclus and Damascius reject the autonomistic and mechanistic conception of nature, and to varying degrees they are critical of Aristotelian naturalism and psychology. Instead, the three thinkers considered propose an interpretation of natural phenomena that is firmly centred on the causal and finalist function of the principles governing the physical domain. In particular, it is emphasised that, in the case of the two Neoplatonists studied, this aetiological and teleological approach to physical research is transformed into a structured metaphysical theorisation of causality that transcends the empirical realm.