In this volume, Giulio Maspero explores both the ontology and the epistemology of the Cappadocians from historical and speculative points of view. He shows how the Cappadocians developed a real Trinitarian Ontology through their reshaping of the Aristotelian category of relation, which they rescued from the accidental dimension and inserted into the immanence of the one divine and eternal substance. This perspective made possible a new conception of individuation. No longer exclusively linked to substantial difference, as in classical Greek philosophy, the concept was instead founded on the mutual relation of the divine Persons. The Cappadocians' metaphysical reshaping was also closely linked to a new epistemological conception based on apophaticism, which shattered the logical closure of their opponents, and anticipated results that modern research has subsequently highlighted, Bridging the late antique philosophy with Patristics, Maspero' s study allows us to find the relational traces within the Trinity in the world and in history.

‘There are many reasons why readers will want to have Maspero’s book on their shelves … it is a rewarding, thought-provoking read with which many will want to engage.’

Anna Marmodoro Source: The Thomist

‘Giulio Maspero presents an impressive argument, built on years of related work on Gregory of Nyssa and ecumenical engagements with trinitarian doctrine. He successfully brings twentieth-century voices into conversation with more recent historical research on fourth-century theology in order to present a coherent account of how a trinitarian ontology developed in the early centuries of Christianity. Given the inevitable shifts in metaphysical preunderstanding over the centuries, the implications of this Cappadocian ontology for contemporary theology remain an open question, with tantalizing but potentially risky ecumenical implications. This book makes an important initial contribution to such questions of contemporary relevance.’

Evan F. Kuehn Source: International Journal of Systematic Theology Review Publication