Procession

Definition

Procession refers to the unfolding or emanation of reality from a source, often used in philosophical discussions to explain how all beings derive existence from a fundamental origin or principle. This concept is key to understanding the hierarchy of being, where higher forms of existence give rise to lower ones through a continuous process of emanation, illustrating the interconnectedness and dependency of all levels of being.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Procession illustrates how lower forms of being are derived from higher forms, emphasizing the dependence of all existence on a foundational source.
2. In philosophical traditions, procession is often linked with divine reality, suggesting that the first principle emanates through various stages leading to material existence.
3. This concept allows for an understanding of creation as a continuous process rather than a singular event, influencing various metaphysical frameworks.
4. Procession can be contrasted with concepts such as 'return' or 'reversion,' where beings move back towards their source after emanation.
5. The idea of procession is integral to Neoplatonic thought, which posits that everything in the cosmos exists in a structured order derived from a unified source.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of procession relate to the hierarchy of being?
  • Procession is central to understanding the hierarchy of being because it describes how all levels of existence emanate from a primary source. In this framework, higher forms of being produce lower forms through a continuous unfolding process. This relationship highlights the interconnectedness of all existence, where each level depends on those above it for its own reality and significance.
• Discuss the implications of procession on the nature of creation and existence.
  • The implications of procession on creation suggest that existence is not a one-time event but an ongoing process where everything unfolds from a first principle. This view challenges traditional notions of creation as an isolated act and supports the idea that all beings are in constant relation to their source. As such, procession emphasizes the dynamic nature of reality and the continuous flow from higher to lower forms of being.
• Evaluate how the notion of procession affects our understanding of metaphysical structures in philosophy.
  • Evaluating procession leads to profound insights about metaphysical structures by framing existence as an emanative hierarchy. This perspective encourages a view where beings are not isolated entities but part of a greater continuum leading back to a first principle. It prompts philosophical inquiry into how entities interact within this hierarchy and how they derive their essence and significance from their connections to higher realities. Thus, procession shapes our understanding of existence as fundamentally relational rather than merely individual.

Related terms

Emanation: The process by which all things arise from a primary source or principle, often associated with a gradual unfolding that reflects a hierarchy of being.

Hierarchy of Being: A framework that categorizes existence into levels, from the most perfect or divine to the least perfect, showing how beings depend on one another for their existence.

First Principle: The ultimate source or origin from which all things come into existence, often regarded as the most fundamental reality in philosophical systems.