“The mind that alone rules the entire universe”. Ionian noology: reception and criticism

The article is devoted to the study of the ancient Greek “Ionian school” philosophers’ teachings on the Mind, as well as the reception and criticism of their views in the works of subsequent ancient authors, pagan and Christian. The article examines the doctrines: of Thales in the context of hylopsychism; of Heraclitus on Reason (Logos), the general divine law governing the universe; of Anaxagoras on Mind (Nous), the omniscient prime mover and organizer of the cosmos; as well as the noology of Archelaus and Diogenes of Apollonia. The later perception of Heraclitus’ philosophy in the works of the neoplatonists Plotinus and Proclus is presented. Aristotle’s attitude to Anaxagoras’ noology is analyzed, as well as the criticism of the latter by Eudemus and Cicero. The analysis of Heraclitus and Anaxagoras’ ontology and epistemology in the works of Theophrastus, Plutarch, Sextus Empiricus, and Simplicius is given. In addition, the author explores the perception of Ionian noology in the works of patristic authors: Clement of Alexandria, St. Hippolytus of Rome, St. Augustine of Hippo and others.