Biriukov D. Taxonomies of Beings in the Palamite Literature. Part 2. The Palamite Doctrine in the Context of the Previous Byzantine Tradition and Its Reception in the Russian Religious Thought of the XXth Century (the Philosophy of Creativity by Sergei Bulgakov). Constantine’s Letters, 2019. Vol. 12, Issue 2, pp. 69-79.

Abstract

I provide a detailed comparison of the doctrine of taxonomy of beings in Gregory Palamas and such previous Byzantine theologians as Dionysius the Areopagite and Gregory of Nyssa. I examine David Dishypatos’ teaching on taxonomy of beings as well. The study shows that Palamas partly shifted natural abilities in relation to the kinds of created beings which possess them compared to Dionysius: in the Dionysian hierarchy of naturally participating beings, intellectual ability was typical for the angelic (intellectual) powers, while rational ability was typical for the humans. In Palamas, intellectual ability was typical for the humans, while spiritual natural ability was typical for the angelic powers. I observe the reception of Gregory Palamas’ teaching of taxonomy of beings in Russian religious and philosophical thought. In this regard, I consider Sergei Bulgakov’s philosophy of creativity. I believe that the fragment from Palamas’ “The One Hundred and Fifty Chapters” (PG 150, col. 1165 = Saint Gregory Palamas. The One Hundred And Fifty Chapters. Sinkewicz, Robert, a critical edition, translation and study. Toronto, 1988. P. 156) was essential for the formation of philosophy of creativity offered by Bulgakov in his “Unfading Light. Contemplations and Speculations”. In addition, I offer revisions of Bulgakov’s translation of this Palamas’ fragment.