Damascius' Philosophy of Time

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The late Platonist philosopher Damascius revitalized Greek thought on time by distinguishing various perceptions articulated by Plato, Aristotle, and Neoplatonist predecessors. His insights foreshadow modern theories of time, including McTaggart’s series and presentism. Damascius’ philosophy emphasizes the essence of living beings in the process of becoming, exploring its connection to stillness, temporality, and temporalization. He interprets time not merely as a byproduct of celestial movements or an abstract concept within the human soul, but as an active ordering power operating at multiple levels. His conception of time encompasses biological and historical dimensions, as well as the essence and activity of heaven, where neither past nor future exists. The book delves into Damascius’ intricate thoughts on fundamental concepts of time, including the indivisible now, present time, flowing and non-flowing nows, and the entirety of time where past, present, and future converge. Although his comprehensive treatise On Time is lost, fragments of it are preserved and are translated and annotated in an Appendix, providing valuable insights into his philosophical explorations.