Boyle, Elizabeth
(2009)
Neoplatonic Thought in Medieval Ireland: the Evidence of Scéla na esérgi.
Medium Aevum, 78 (2).
pp. 216-230.
ISSN 0025-8385
Abstract
I will examine briefly the overarching Neoplatonic structure of the text; then I will explore in more detail
some specific instances of Neoplatonic concepts being transposed from Latin into the vernacular. In other
words, the text moves from purification (in the removal of bodily imperfections that will occur at the
resurrection) to illumination (in heaven) to union (with other righteous souls and ultimately with God).\n The
marginal and supralineal notes in die Bodleian manuscript demonstrate a concern with language, grammar,
and etymology, which could represent the transitional stage between the expression in Latin of the types of
ideas mentioned above by Plato, his commentators, and John Scottus Eriugena on the one hand, and the
expression in Irish of similar philosophical concepts on the other, as Irish scholars developed a vernacular
vocabulary to express the complex philosophical and dieological ideas of die twelfth century.
Repository Staff Only(login required)
 |
Item control page |
Downloads per month over past year