DAMASCIUS ON THE CAUSES OF MATTER: <i>IN PARMENIDEM</i> 1.15.7–14

Abstract In In Parmenidem 1.15.7–14, Damascius surveys several principles in a first attempt to determine what is the cause of matter qua matter. This article aims to correct the text and interpretation of these lines adopted in the standard edition of Damascius’ In Parmenidem by Westerink and Combès, by proposing the emendation δύναμιν οὖσαν in line 11; more generally, it seeks to elucidate this intricate passage, which is a largely neglected source for Damascius’ conception of the material layers. In doing so, the article sheds light on his present strategy to address the question, by showing that it involves going through several aspects of the material substrate—that is, various material layers—from the most specific to the most elementary, and taking into consideration the cause of each of them. Moreover, the article clarifies the identity of the various entities that Damascius mentions in the passage. This analysis will thus contribute to the reconstruction of Damascius’ theory of the origin of matter.