Orpheus also named the Demiurge: FR. 241 Bernabé and its role in Proclus’ "Commentary on Plato’s Timaeus"

Abstract

This study analyzes the influence of Orphism on the definition of the demiurge, in the case of Proclus’ Commentary on Plato’s Timaeus. The main thesis is that Proclus’ interpretation is build on the identity of the Platonic demiurge with the Orphic Zeus, whose most important consequence is the attribution to the artisan of the world of various elements that cannot be find in the original dialogue. In order to prove this thesis, we will analyze: a) the relation, according to Proclus, between Plato and Orpheus by mediation of Pythagoras; b) the citation context and contents of the fr. 241 Bernabé; c) the constitutive elements of Proclus’ interpretation; and d) the Orphic elements present in the definition of the demiurge of the Commentary on Plato’s Timaeus.