Evagrius Ponticus and Cognitive Science: A Look at Moral Evil and the Thoughts - Softcover

Tsakiridis, George

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1608990664 ISBN 13: 9781608990665

Publisher: Pickwick Publications, 2009

Synopsis

This study puts the thought of Evagrius Ponticus, a fourth-century theologian, into dialogue with modern cognitive science in regard to the topic of evil, specifically moral evil. Evagrius, in his writings about prayer and the ascetic life, addressed the struggle with personal moral evil in terms of the eight "thoughts" or "demons." These "thoughts" were transmitted by John Cassian to the Western church, and later recast by Gregory the Great as the Seven Deadly Sins. Though present understandings of evil appear to differ greatly from those of Evagrius, his wisdom concerning the battle against evil may prove to be of great help even today. Using the work of Pierre Hadot to recover Evagrius's context, and the work of Paul Ricoeur to discuss how we construct descriptions and myths of evil, Evagrius is brought into dialogue with the cognitive sciences. Using current research, especially the work of Eugene d'Aquili and Andrew Newberg, this study reveals the contemporary relevance of Evagrius' approach to combating evil. In addition, the interdisciplinary study of patristics and cognitive science opens the pathway to a better understanding between Christian tradition and the modern sciences.

About this title

About the Author

George Tsakiridis is currently a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy and Religion at South Dakota State University.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pickwick Publications
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1608990664
• ISBN 13: 9781608990665
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 136