The Synthetic Nature of the Armenian Medieval Philosophy in the Context of the Development of National Identity

The Armenian philosophy is a significant part of the medieval Armenian spiritual culture. During the long centuries without statehood, spiritual culture resources became decisive in preserving, reproducing and developing the Armenian identity. Based on the fact that the main institution, responsible for implementing this project, has been the Armenian Church, we refer to this model of the Armenian nation, formed in the early Middle Ages, as a model of a cultural-confessional nation. The Armenian spiritual culture, in general, and the Armenian philosophy, in particular, are characterized by their synthetic nature. Some elements of philosophical synthesis can be found in the patristic philosophy of Eznik of Kolb. The philosophy of David the Invincible is a brilliant manifestation of universal synthesis, too. AnaniaShirakatsi’s natural philosophy represents a synthesis of ancient scientific-philosophical concepts and the Christian worldview. The Armenian medieval education system also has a synthetic character.