Exploring the "Metaxy" in Eric Voegelin's Gnosticism. Consciousness Between Myth and Transcendence

In the theory of Gnosticism by Voegelin there is a Platonic category “metaxy”, which meaning get through the Cogito in the modern theories of consciousness because it keeps the talk between soul and Transcendence going. It reveals a thought pattern that moderates the extremes in the consciousness, managing an approach I called “outside and inside the myth”. With Outside and inside the myth I mean a phrase that expresses the consciousness in-between, a main insight in Erik Voegelin`s historic thought.

Table of Contents

• Abstract
• Keywords
• Metaxy in History and the Gnosticism
• The meaning of legitimacy
• The process of history
• The term “metaxy”
• Voegelin's theory of consciousness
• The structure of consciousness
• Where the world was polarized
• The Gnosticism
• What does the Gnosticism essentially mean
• In Hitler and Germans
• Voegelin's own theory of consciousness
• In Voegelin, Symposium becomes a paradigm
• Another question so far is how does a metaxy actually differ from a symbol?

Objectives and Key Themes

The article aims to explore Erik Voegelin's concept of "metaxy" as a key to understanding the history of Gnosticism and its impact on modern consciousness. The text analyzes Voegelin's philosophical approach to the quest for transcendence and its role in shaping societal order and individual experience.

• The role of metaxy in navigating the tension between immanence and transcendence
• The historical evolution and significance of Gnosticism
• The dangers of Gnosticism and its impact on modern ideologies
• The importance of a reflective symbol and its connection to the experience of metaxy
• The interplay of myth, symbol, and consciousness in shaping historical understanding

Chapter Summaries

The article begins by introducing Voegelin's theory of consciousness, which emphasizes the concept of "metaxy," a state of being "in-between" immanence and transcendence. Voegelin borrows this concept from Plato's Symposium, where Eros, the drive towards wisdom, is represented as a mediator between the earthly and the divine. He argues that metaxy plays a crucial role in understanding the historical development of order and the relationship between individual consciousness and transcendent realities.

The text then explores the concept of Gnosticism, examining its origins, core principles, and its relationship to the idea of metaxy. It shows how Gnosticism, characterized by a dualistic worldview, represents an imbalance in the relationship between immanence and transcendence, resulting in a distorted view of both human nature and the divine.

The article analyzes the historical impact of Gnosticism, tracing its evolution through various eras and its influence on modern ideologies. Voegelin emphasizes how Gnosticism, in its various forms, can lead to distorted understandings of history and societal order, ultimately resulting in a loss of connection to the transcendent realm.

Finally, the article delves into the role of symbols and myth in the experience of metaxy. Voegelin posits that symbols are not merely representations but rather lived experiences that reflect a deeper reality. He argues that the reflective symbol, rooted in the historical experience of consciousness, plays a vital role in mediating between the immanent and the transcendent, safeguarding the integrity of human experience and fostering a balanced understanding of order.

Keywords

This article focuses on the interplay of key concepts including metaxy, Gnosticism, transcendence, consciousness, symbol, myth, history, order, and philosophy. It explores the historical and philosophical implications of these concepts, examining their influence on individual consciousness, social structures, and the development of modern ideologies.

Details

• Grade: 10
• Author: Galin Penev (Author)
• Pages: 8
• Catalog Number: V1491823
• ISBN (eBook): 9783389050989
• Language: English
• Tags: Voegelin metaxy Gnosticism History consciousness