Toward an inclusive conception of eternity
Philosophical and theological conceptions of eternity frequently define it through a contrast with time’s transience. These conceptions reflect the widespread influence of Augustine’s idea of eternity, where eternity stands atemporally in opposition to time. Such conceptions are problematic for both...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Interlibrary Loan: | Interlibrary Loan for the Fachinformationsdienste (Specialized Information Services in Germany) |
| Published: |
2021
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| In: |
International journal for philosophy of religion
Year: 2021, Volume: 89, Issue: 2, Pages: 171-187 |
| Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains: | B
Plotinus 205-270
/ Augustinus, Aurelius, Saint 354-430
/ Boethius, Anicius Manlius Severinus 480-524
/ Eternity
/ Temporality
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| IxTheo Classification: | AB Philosophy of religion; criticism of religion; atheism |
| Further subjects: | B
Augustine
B Boethius B Plotinus B Time B Eternity B Foreknowledge |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Summary: | Philosophical and theological conceptions of eternity frequently define it through a contrast with time’s transience. These conceptions reflect the widespread influence of Augustine’s idea of eternity, where eternity stands atemporally in opposition to time. Such conceptions are problematic for both divine and human relations to the world. However, the work of Plotinus and Boethius shows that eternity can be conceived more inclusively—as transcending time, but nonetheless including temporal change and dynamism within its presence. This facilitates Boethius’ views of divine knowledge and human freedom in ways that are not available to Augustine. His work demonstrates how an inclusive conception of eternity can reconcile the pursuit of eternal wisdom with a commitment to ethical responsibility within the temporal flow of the world. |
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| ISSN: | 1572-8684 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: International journal for philosophy of religion
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1007/s11153-020-09769-5 |