Publications

Content

1. Introduzione; 2. La funzione delle facoltà dell’anima a Barḥadbešabba; 3. L’anima creata per lo studio; 4. La prassi e la conoscenza/teoria nella vita spirituale; 5. Conclusione

ABSTRACT

This study examines the application of the concepts of theoria (contemplation) and praxis (action) in the Cause of the Foundation of the Schools, a work by Barḥadbešabba of ʿArbaya, the Bishop of Ḥalwan. Written in the late 6th century, this text provides a unique perspective on how classical philosophical ideas were adapted within a Syriac Christian scholastic framework. Barḥadbešabba employs these concepts not merely as abstract philosophical notions but as practical tools to inspire his students’ studies. He emphasizes the importance of study as a means of cultivating virtue and moral integrity while also presenting it as a theological necessity, integral to spiritual growth and the understanding of divine truths. By drawing comparisons with other contemporary Syriac sources this article highlights how these concepts were understood and utilized in the School of Nisibis, in one of the most prominent centers of learning in the Syriac tradition. This comparative analysis underscores the innovative ways in which Barḥadbešabba integrated Greek philosophical principles into his theological framework focused on learning.