Symeon the New Theologian and secular culture

This article examines the question of the intellectual formation of Symeon the New Theologian (949-1022), a major figure of Byzantine spirituality, by investigating the nature and extent of his secular culture. Pascal Mueller-Jourdan, a specialist in ancient philosophy, conducts a historical and philological study aimed at determining to what extent Symeon was exposed to ancient philosophy, particularly through Christian authors imbued with Platonism. The article raises the question of the indirect transmission of Greek philosophical thought in the formation of the great Byzantine spiritual figures. Its contribution lies in shedding light on the cultural and doctrinal mediations that may have shaped Symeon's thought, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the relationship between the Hellenic philosophical heritage and mystical theology in medieval Eastern Christianity.