The "eutonía" in the Psychology of Evagrius Ponticus

RUBÉN PERETÓ RIVAS

Oxford

Congreso; XVI International Conference on Patristic Studies; 2015

University of Oxford

Evagrius of Pontus carry out in his work some notions that affect not only his theology but also his psychology. It is the case of the concept of eutonia, the tension of the fallen noes that impels them to return to the lost Unity. It is this tension that support their earthly condition and gives a meaning to their lives . Consequently, what is opposed to this intimate and essential strength must be identified and rejected. They are sadness and akedia, who seek to relax the tension dispersing the man in the material things. This paper analyzes the concept of eutonia and its opposite of sadness and akedia in the work of Evagrius of Pontus, pointing out the implications to their theology and psychology.