Philosophical renovation in the 3rd century: The polemical component of Porphyry’s Vita Plotini in relation to Gregory of Neocaesaria’s Oratio Panegyrica

This paper offers an analysis of similar and parallel developing projects creating a true philosophy by the disciples followers Origen Plotinus. Two texts permeated eulogy scholarch are analysed: Gregory Wonderworker’s The Address Thanksgiving to Life Plotinus Porphyry. was student Origen, while Porphyry attended his school long enough become familiar with doctrine, teaching methods personality scholarch. author establishes structural, thematic lexical similarity both texts. text Wonderworker, chronologically earlier, pushing away point for in image ideal person is confirmed structural contrast portrayal Vita Plotini passage preserved Proclus (Procl. In Tim. I.63. 29–33). particular, negative 13. 10–17 echoed figure Thaumasius, dissatisfied protracted dispute between Porphyry, which rarely draws scholars’ attention. Nowhere else mentioned, Thaumasius appears as marginal figure: either he himself interested general statements wanted hear speaking manner set treatise (trans. Armstrong), or “faire une conférence suivie et propre à être écrite” Bréhier). hypothesises that it not proper name but nickname. suggests accidental participant specific episode Neoplatonists’ life philosophical rival Neoplatonists, theologian ironically presented unattractive manner. Thus, deliberately constructed polemical jab at Origen’s followers, who put forward programme renovation alternative Platonic, very depiction ‘divine man’ (θεῖος ἀνήρ) responds painted followers. supposed allusions 5–17 testify openness Roman Neoplatonic already-formed Christian version philosophy. For this reason, chose portray situation showed attention patience interpreting difficult questions three days. contrast, situation, impatience irritability.