Resumen de Imago naturae. Cristiani e pagani a confronto nello specchio della natura (IV-V secolo)
The contribution examines the way in which, between the 4th and 5th centuries, Christian thinkers confronted themselves with the way in which, in their ‘natural philosophy’, the pagan thinkers of the time faced various aspects of the problem of the nature. After briefly recalling the main themes of the confrontation in the pre-Constantinian period, the contribution examines some continuities such as the apologetic line and the Christian attempt, in particular by Augustin, within the nascent theology of creation, to secularize the divine dimension of nature. In the last part the paper examines some innovations, starting with Basil’s preaching on Hexameron, focusing in conclusion on the way in which the contemplation of nature has become an important monastic theme, in particular through the reflection of Evagrius
