Corporalem animae substantiam: corporality and simplicity the soul in the thought of Tertullian

Abstract

Within the field of Christian patristic, was generated in the first centuries a.c., a number of theoretical problems in reference to the interpretation of the truths conveyed by the Holy Scriptures. Hellenistic-Roman philosophy, was, on the one hand, impulse, and at the same time, conceptual contribution to the discussion and the formation of different exegetical tendencies. In this context, Tertullian of Carthage, among other issues, eg the criterion of truth, took an heterodox approach referring to the nature of the human soul, appealing, beyond their rejection of pagan philosophy interference in matters of faith, to concepts from philosophy and medical practice.