БЕЗВОЛИЕТО ВО УЧЕЊЕТО НА ЕВАГРИЈ ПОНТИСКИ

Abstract

The text briefly overviews the teaching of Evagrius Ponticus on acedia as one of the
eight generic evil (passionate) thoughts (logismoi). A brief introduction to the components
of the soul According to Evagrius, it is given, followed by an analysis of his concept of
acedia. The characteristics of this condition (called “the noonday demon”) are described
through Evagrius’ stances on the soul’s susceptibility to temptation, and through the
symptomatology of acedia, not only as a psycho-physical but as a spiritual, existential
problem. An outline of the relation of acedia with the other evil thoughts is offered, with
the accent on its specificity, complexity, duration, and influences. The similarity to sadness
is mentioned, as is the instigation of acedia resulting from the concomitant sadness
and anger directed towards a single object. A brief overview of the connection of acedia
and depression is given through some historical instances, without an attempt at a definitive
answer on their overlaps and differences, but with the hope to showcase an example
of a psychological conception as a part of an early theological and philosophical teaching,
to point to the universality of the (understanding of) the existential problems of the soul
as the basis for an interdisciplinary approach.