The Protean Nature of 'Logos': Polysemy in Philo-Theological Thought
Introduction "Logos" is a word of profound depth and versatility, exhibiting a rich polysemy that has been explored and debated by philosophers for millennia. Etymologically derived from the Greek verb " λέγειν " (legein), meaning "to speak" or "to reason," "logos" encompasses a range of meanings including word, speech, reason, principle, logic and truth. Historically, it has played a central role in various philosophical, theological, and rhetorical contexts, signifying everything from the spoken word to the divine order of the cosmos. This essay explores the multifaceted nature of "logos" and its integration within Plato's analogy of the divided line, demonstrating how its meanings span from the concrete to the abstract domains of understanding. Historical Understanding of "Logos" In ancient Greek philosophy, "logos" was a fundamental concept. For Heraclitus, "logos" represented