"He Brandishes Over Us This Aristotelian Weapon" (CE II 620). An Example Of (Mis)Use Of Aristotle’s Name In Controversy Over Unbegottenness

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In this chapter, the author has chosen an example of the use or misuse of Aristotle's name and his heritage in Gregory of Nyssa's Contra Eunomium II. The chapter is a contribution both (I) to the debate about the reception of Aristotle and his philosophy by the Greek Fathers, and (II) to the discussion about the concept of 'unbegottenness' between the Cappadocians and the Eunomians. In a section discussing the origin of words (CE II 403-442), Gregory mentions Aristotle as Eunomius of Cyzicus' champion and ally in doctrine. The author restricts himself to the second occurrence relating to an weapon (CE II 620). The first part of the chapter deals with the formal structure of the argument, the second with its content and contextual aspects. Keywords: Aristotelian weapon; Eunomius of Cyzicus; Gregory of Nyssa