Commentators and Doxographers on Xenophanes’ Theology

Abstract

AbstractIn this paper, I examine the various interpretations of Xenophanes’ theology in antiquity. After distinguishing between the traditions of commentaries and of doxographies, I focus on two unexpected testimonies: Pseudo-Aristotle inOn Melissus, Xenophanes and Gorgiasand Simplicius. Both attribute to Xenophanes, unlike other authors, the thesis that the god is neither limited nor unlimited and neither moved nor unmoved. I argue that this reading originates from Theophrastus, more specifically from a commentary on Aristotle’sPhysics, but that Pseudo-Aristotle is responsible for misinterpreting this claim and adding arguments to justify it. I finally highlight the many sources of Simplicius, who uses not only Theophrastus’ commentary on thePhysicsand Pseudo-Aristotle, but also another doxographical work, possibly thePhysical Opinionsof Theophrastus.