Bettina Bohle, "ochema und zoe. Zum Verhältnis von Philosophie und Theurgie bei Proklos in Bezug auf das pneumatische ochema", in: Verena Olejniczak Lobsien, Bernd Roling, Lutz Bergemann and Bettina Bohle (Eds.), Vom Seelengefährt zum Glorienleib. Formen aitherischer Leiblichkeit, Berlin: Edition Topoi, 2018, 31–57

Abstract

For Proclus, the pneumatic vehicle is closely linked to ethical questions like that of how to live well. This becomes apparent from Proclus’ position on the soul’s appearance in court after death in order to be judged according to the way the person led his or her life, and the ideas of transmigration and rebirth for which concepts of individuality and how the soul can be affected are of importance. This ability to be affected is not only important after bodily death but also during life. To describe this ability to be affected, Proclus uses another term: zoe. Often, Proclus uses zoe in connection with ochema. This paper will examine the connection between the two terms ochema and zoe, as well as the relationship between philosophical zoe which Proclus deems the most worthy way of living, and theurgy.

Published In

Verena Olejniczak Lobsien, Bernd Roling, Lutz Bergemann and Bettina Bohle (Eds.), Vom Seelengefährt zum Glorienleib. Formen aitherischer Leiblichkeit, Berlin: Edition Topoi, 2018