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Categories in Stromata VIII

Publication at Faculty of Arts |
2012

Abstract

The article is an analysis of a chapter dealing with the Aristotelian categories in the so-called eighth book of Stromata by Clement of Alexandria, a collection of notes from a philosophical source (or sources) concerned with the theory of demonstration and related is- sues. Though seldom mentioned in contemporary scholarship, this short chapter is a valuable testimony of the reception of the Categories in the philosophy of the Imperial period and before the time of Alex- ander of Aphrodisias.

After a brief survey of its contents, the article investigates parallels in philosophical literature and explores the func- tion of the chapter within the larger context of Stromata viii. In the final section the question of Clement's source is addressed.

Drawing on earlier research concerning other parts of the eighth book, the article argues that in this case, too, Galen's lost writing on demonstra- tion is a likely candidate.