On the existence of evils
By: Proclus ; translated by Jan Opsomer & Carlos Steel.
Contributors: Opsomer, Jan.; Steel, Carlos G.
Series: [The Ancient commentators on Aristotle]
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Published: 2003
Place of publication: Ithaca, N.Y
Language: eng
Number of pages: 159
Subjects: Good and evil -- Early works to 1800.
Genres: Early works to 1800.
Description: "Proclus' On the Existence of Evils is not a commentary, but helps to compensate for the dearth of Neoplatonist ethical commentaries. The central question addressed in the work is: How can there be evil in a providential world? Neoplatonists agree that it cannot be caused by higher and worthier beings. Plotinus had said that evil is matter, which, unlike Aristotle, he collapsed into mere privation or lack, thus reducing its reality. He also protected higher causes from responsibility by saying that evil may result from a combination of goods. Proclus objects: evil is real, and not the mere privation of form. Rather, it is a parasite feeding off good. Parasites have no proper cause, and higher beings are thus vindicated as being the causes only of the good off which evil feeds."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [147]-153) and indexes.
Series statement on jacket.