Beyond God (Hypertheos): Kataphasis, Apophasis and Hyperphasis in Pseudo-Dionysius ~ Neoplatonism/Mysticism Early Church Fathers ~ J. Walton

Title: Beyond God (Hypertheos): Kataphasis, Apophasis and Hyperphasis in the Works of Pseudo-Dionysius [Thesis]
Author: Jeremy Walton
Publication: [Portland, Oregon: Reed College], 1999

Description: Plain black boards. Covers show light scuffing. Interior is clean and unmarked. [x], 145 pages. 11 x 8.5.

A Thesis presented to the Division of Religion at Reed College, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts, May 1999. Thesis advisor: Professor Michael Foat.

''Abstract: This thesis is a detailed examination of the theological system of Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite. Pseudo-Dionysius' theology is enigmatic due to its complexity: in different contexts he makes assertions concerning God, denies the assertions, and finally, undermines the denials using words with the Greek prefix ''hyper.'' Connected to these different types of discourse is the notion of union with the divine: the human soul, through the correct application of affirmation and negation, can become one with God.

This work attempts to shed light on Pseudo-Dionysius' complex theological semiotics and principle of union by relating them to his ontology and epistemology. Most generally, it argues for a threefold division of Pseudo-Dionysius's semiotics into the categories of kataphasis, apophasis and hyperphasis. Kataphasis expresses the similarity between God as cause and creation as effect; apophasis expresses the utter incomparability of God and creation; hyperphasis expresses God's absolute transcendence of categories and the paradoxical experience of union with this transcendence. Furthermore, kataphasis and apophasis are subdivided into two types due to Pseudo-Dionysius's twofold human epistemology: reason and symbolic hermeneutics.

Although the analysis will primarily concern the relations between ontology, epistemology, semiotics and transcendence/union, it will conclude by examining Pseudo-Dionysius's Trinitarian beliefs and Christology. The two theoretical problems of tradition and mysticism guide the entire analysis. As will be shown, Pseudo-Dionysius's work is a synthesis of the distinct traditions of Neoplatonism and Christianity. Furthermore, his system is an exemplar of the mystical text in form, function and content. Hyperphasis is the mode of discourse that Pseudo-Dionysius adopts that gives his writings their mystical quality.''

Jeremy Walton conducted his graduate work at the University of Chicago and received his PhD in 2009. He has taught at New York University and has done post-doctoral work at both Georgetown University and Georg August University of Gottingen. Since about 2015, he has a leading researcher at Rijeka University (Croatia) and the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity. He is the author of Muslim Civil Society and the Politics of Religious Freedom in Turkey, published by Oxford University in 2017.

Binding: Hardcover
Condition: VG+

Keywords: Church Fathers, Areopagite, Early Christianity, theology, Neoplatonism, Neoplatonic, mysticism,