Simplicius of Cilicia

Mosaic of Justinianus I - Basilica San Vitale (Ravenna)

Simplicius Commentary on Aristotle De Caelo

Simplicius of Cilicia, Commentary on Aristotle's Physics III 518,5–30

Simplicius of Cilicia was a prominent philosopher of the Neoplatonic school who lived during the 6th century. His works are crucial for understanding the development of late Ancient Greek philosophy and its influence on later intellectual traditions. Simplicius was born in Cilicia, a region in modern-day Turkey, but spent much of his career in Athens and later in the Sassanian Empire due to the closure of the Platonic Academy by the Emperor Justinian I in 529 AD.

Life and Works

Simplicius's life is not well-documented, but it is known that he was a disciple of Ammonius Hermiae, who in turn was a student of Proclus, one of the most influential Neoplatonists. This intellectual lineage placed Simplicius at the heart of Neoplatonic thought. After the closure of the Platonic Academy, Simplicius, along with other philosophers, sought refuge in the court of Khosrau I of Persia, where he was allowed to continue his philosophical activities.

Simplicius's contributions to philosophy are primarily through his extensive commentaries on the works of Aristotle and Epictetus. His commentaries on Aristotle's Physics, On the Heavens, Categories, and On the Soul, as well as Epictetus's Enchiridion, are invaluable resources for understanding both the original texts and the Neoplatonic interpretations of them. Simplicius sought to reconcile Aristotle's philosophy with the ideas of Plato, highlighting the compatibility of their teachings and the unity of ancient Greek philosophy.

Philosophical Contributions

Simplicius's philosophy is characterized by its attempt to synthesize the works of Plato and Aristotle. He believed that despite their differences, both philosophers aimed at explaining the same ultimate truths. Simplicius's commentaries are noted for their clarity, depth, and philosophical insight, making complex ideas accessible to a broader audience.

One of Simplicius's significant contributions is his defense of the concept of the eternity of the world, a topic of much debate among ancient philosophers. He argued against the Christian concept of creation ex nihilo, instead advocating for a universe that has always existed in accordance with the principles laid out by Aristotle and Plato.

Legacy

Simplicius's works played a crucial role in the transmission of ancient Greek philosophy to the Islamic world and later to the Latin West. His commentaries were among the Greek philosophical texts translated into Arabic, influencing Islamic philosophers like Al-Farabi, Avicenna, and Averroes. Through the Latin translations of his works in the Renaissance, Simplicius also impacted European philosophy, contributing to the revival of interest in Aristotle and Neoplatonism.

Conclusion

Simplicius of Cilicia stands as a towering figure in the history of philosophy, bridging the ancient and medieval worlds. His efforts to preserve and elucidate the works of earlier philosophers ensured that the wisdom of the ancient Greeks would continue to enlighten future generations. Through his commentaries, Simplicius not only contributed to the survival of classical philosophy but also to its evolution, demonstrating the enduring relevance of philosophical inquiry.