Everything emanates from the "centre" of the cosmic circle or sphere and returns by ascending back to it. Hence the terminology of "heart". The "heart" (innermost self) of man is identical to the "heart" of God. Hence Christian and Platonic mystics use similar language. — Apollodorus
If there was no essential identity between the two, there could be no "return" or "reunion". — Apollodorus
Simply put, the Universal Intelligence abides in itself, proceeds out of itself in creation and reverts back into itself. Or interiorisation of consciousness. — Apollodorus
But these are just intellectual or theoretical concepts. — Apollodorus
:up:I like your idea of concepts as 'dried up metaphors', although it would probably offend some. I do think that some are people, including philosophers, are inclined to miss seeing that they areonly constructed models, which are only representations of 'truth'. — Jack Cummins
Thanks for the link to the article by Hofstadter . I will read it tomorrow because I have just been so tired today. — Jack Cummins
Thanks from me, as well - a good read. — Banno
There are several mysteries which seem essential to the philosophical quest; the existence of God, free will and, life after death. These seem to be central to philosophy. Endless books have been written on these subjects. However, no one seems to have come up with any clear answers, and it seems to me that they remain as unsolved mysteries. We all contemplate these aspects of life, but it does seem that there are no definitive answers. Perhaps the whole aspect of mysteries is central to philosophy and what keeps us searching. Are they unfathomable mysteries, beyond human understanding? — Jack Cummins
The metaphysical worldview of Platonists like Plotinus, for example, is concentric and hierarchical. Everything emanates from the "centre" of the cosmic circle or sphere and returns by ascending back to it. Hence the terminology of "heart". The "heart" (innermost self) of man is identical to the "heart" of God. Hence Christian and Platonic mystics use similar language. — Apollodorus
Christianism is heir, among other, of graeco latin high culture, plato and Aristotle. In my opinion in its summit with st thomas aquinas — Alexandros
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