L’ultimo intermediario metafisico: il Prometeo dei Neoplatonici

The last metaphysical intermediary. Prometheus according to the Neoplatonists · The Neoplatonists assign to Prometheus a clearly recognizable role, although not a prominent one. Prometheus is in fact the symbolic name of one of the last metaphysical principles, the one immediately in contact with the sensible world. Prometheus' peculiar task is precisely to infuse souls into bodies, and, in this respect, his action fits positively into the providential order of the whole. On the other hand, compromise with the sensitive realm does mean a degradation of the spiritual principle and, even in the neoplatonic providential framework, the entrance of the soul into the body can be considered a 'fall'. From this other point of view, the action of Prometheus becomes negative, and more in keeping with his traditional image of rebellious Titan. © 2019 Fabrizio Serra Editore. All rights reserved.