Commentary on the Beginning of Damascius' De Primis Principiis

35.2 – 9.10Ac) In what sense is the Absolutely First Principle absolutely unknowable (ἄγνωστον παντελῶς)?9.11 – 15.25Ad) Difficulties in D. ’s doctrine about the Absolutely First Principle, and theirsolutions15.26 – 18.23Ba) First Ascent18.23 – 27.4Bb) Second Ascent27.5 – 38.25Bc) Supplement to the Ascents: Ascent through Wholenesses (Integrals)38.25 – 41.20Aa)1.4-6. Position of the problem1.4 Πάντα is the sum-total of reality; it includes everything of whatever kindsubsisting in reality in whatever way. In effect πάντα = the real, but so understoodas to transcend the ordinary distinction of true or primary reality and secondary,apparent reality [2]. Πάντα = the sum-total of what subsists in whichever way ,the totality of the subsistent realities [3].It is the principle ( ἀρχή) of πάντα in this sense, that it is the absolutely firstprinciple. And the question is whether this ἀρχὴ τῶν πάντων is beyond the πάνταwhose principle it is, or is a part of the πάντα, in which case it would be like the apexof the πάντα, i.e. of everything that came to be as a reality out of it and after it.1.5. The προϊόν is that which comes to be present in reality , comes to subsistin it, as the result of the subsistence of that from, or out of, which it proceeds. Wemust keep together these two elements in our conception of προϊέναι, προϊόν etc.: a)presence, manifestation, subsistence in reality, b) resulting fro m the source of theπρόοδος which produces as a result the προϊόν.1.6-2.7. Examination of the first theoretically available alternative:that the ἀρχὴ τῶν πάντων is beyond the πάντα [4].