Logos - The word "logos" in Greek has an extraordinary range of meanings -- the heart of which is both "meaning" and "reckoning". Hence, it may refer to a "word" or a "thought" or a spoken phrase or an idea or that which conveys something which, to the hearer, is meaningful and, thus, can move them. It can be an accounting or a story, a tale, narrative, or fable. It can refer to a theory, a rule of law or of conduct, a scientific hypothesis or lawful observation regarding reality or nature. Within the individual it can refer to a mental argument or a pondering of the reasons for/against. Thus, it also means thinking or the faculty of reason. More generally, it may refer to speech, talk, spoken stories or tales, and, even, rumors or everyday conversation. There is often a connotative sense of a deepened reality which is referenced by "logos". Hence, for example, the gospel of John in the Christian Bible begins with the phrase "in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God" -- and "logos" is the word used for "Word" in all three places ("en arche ein ho logos kai ho logos ein pros ton theon kai theos ein ho logos"). Also, the power of logos in relation to the condition of the soul is is sometimes compared to that of drugs. Some logoi cause pain, others delight, others fear, some make their hearers confident and courageous while others drug and bewitch the soul with a kind of evil persuasion.
- Long Live Logos
Signup for our Mailing List
* required