Rational-theological intuitions in the ontology and noology of pre-Socratic philosophers

The article is devoted to identifying the topoi of rational-theological discourse among the ancient philosophers of the pre-Socratic period. The ontological conceptions of Thales, Pythagoras, Anaxagoras, Archelaus, Heraclitus, Xenophanes, Parmenides, and Empedocles are analyzed for the presence of elements of rational theology. The close connection of the considered authors’ philosophical and theological views with noology is stated, since intellection is regarded to be a property of the Principle predominantly or, rather, God himself. In addition, the pre-Socratics reveal an anticipation of many theological attributes and predicates: unity, freedom, aseity, otherness, perfection, immutability, spirituality, simplicity, eternity, creation, providence, omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence.