The Cloud-authors' remaking of the Pseudo-Dionysius' mystical theology
Taylor, Cheryl (2006) The Cloud-authors' remaking of the Pseudo-Dionysius' mystical theology. Medium Aevum, 75 (2). pp. 202-218.
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Abstract
The Cloud of Unknowing and its companion texts were among the outstanding accomplishments of the flowering of English spiritual writing that occurred in the late fourteenth century. As a prelude to his final poetic evocation of contemplative fulfilment in The Cloud itself, the anonymous author formulates the paradox on which his instruction is based. Although the intellect as a spiritual faculty can know all created spiritual things, he writes, except through its failing it cannot know God, who is both spiritual and uncreated. He elucidates with a quote from the Pseudo-Dionysius' On the Divine Names: 'þe moste goodly knowyng of God is þat, þe whiche is knowyn bi vnknowyng' (125.11-12).' He then takes the opportunity to comment on this source, on citing authorities, and on intellectual presumption.
Item ID: | 4154 |
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Item Type: | Article (Research - C1) |
ISSN: | 0025-8385 |
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Date Deposited: | 03 Nov 2009 05:13 |
FoR Codes: | 20 LANGUAGE, COMMUNICATION AND CULTURE > 2005 Literary Studies > 200503 British and Irish Literature @ 100% |
SEO Codes: | 95 CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING > 9502 Communication > 950203 Languages and Literature @ 80% 95 CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING > 9505 Understanding Past Societies > 950599 Understanding Past Societies not elsewhere classified @ 20% |
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