Односот Исток-Запад во современото изучување на византиската философија

Abstract

East-West relationship in the modern study of Byzantine philosophy The current tendencies toward dispersion of the theological-philosophical focus and the growing interest in exploring of the mediations between Byzantium and the medieval West are inextricably linked to the achievements of previous generations of Orthodox theologians and philosophers-byzantologists, especially those of the so-called “neopalamite” movement. The grounding in their discourse not only does not limit the contemporary research of Byzantine philosophy, but also protects it against stereotypical constructions and arbitrary conclusions, thus keeping the ground under its feet in the face of the unknown and the unexplored. Questions such as: "Is there a Byzantine philosophy?", Or "What are the lines by which Byzantine philosophy and theology are differentiated from their Western medieval counterpart?" are sufficiently absolved and as such they move into the domain of assumptions upon which further scientific research activity should be based. In the context of the question about the mutual relationship between East and West in the Middle Ages, this means that there is a substantial emphasis-shift from the question about the self-differentiation from the “other” to the interest for a substantial and detailed acquaintance with Western medieval philosophy and theology, and especially with the dynamics of its attitude and relationship to the Byzantine East. The proposed analysis of two West-East debates of the 12th century and their connection with current theological and philosophical issues is another step in this direction.