The Reconstruction of the Theological Gnoseology of St. Peter Damascene. Part 2: Anthropology of God-Cognition

Abstract

The article continues the analysis of the conceptual apparatus of St. Peter of Damascus describing cognitive activity. Knowledge is analyzed by its source, or method of acquisition, and is divided into conditionally natural and supernatural, i.e., that which exceeds the natural capabilities of man. Any kind of knowledge turns out to be theological and a manifestation of the synergy of God and man. The types of knowledge identified in St. Peter’s system are further classified by their ontological status, i.e., their relationship to the levels of human existence. Informational, experiential, and mystical (or contemplative) knowledge are distinguished — three types that partially correspond to the three types of faith distinguished by St. Ignatius (Brianchaninov). Particular attention is drawn to the concept of primordial, preliminary knowledge, called natural knowledge and granted to man as the primary condition for the possibility of salvation. In his concept of natural knowledge, St. Peter relies significantly on the teachings of St. Isaac the Syrian. True knowledge manifests itself in a unique way in a person, transforming all the powers of the soul and producing a likeness to God.