« Empédocle gnostique » et le dualisme selon Hippolyte de Rome ('Refutatio' VII, 29-31)

Abstract

The expression "Gnostic Empedocles" refers to the resumé of the teaching of this philosopher presented by Hippolytus of Rome in the Refutation of All Heresies. Above all, it concerns the notice devoted to Marcion and his disciples, who were accused of following rather the poems of Empedocles than the Gospel. However, Hippolytus is inspired by the readings of Empedocles practiced by different groups of the Gnostics. This interpretatio gnostica was also known in the Christian circles. The analysis of this interpretation, based on the notice about Marcion, allows to propose a new interpretation of Bardaisan's thought – mentioned by Hippolytus – as an unknown testimony of Empedocles' reception.