Proclus, Syrianus and extending matter · Lexicon

From the book

Marsilio Ficino’s Platonic Theology, Volume I

Marsilio Ficino · Diotimos Editions · 2026

Orientation

At a Glance

The wordThe active extendit and passive extenditur distinguish what extends from what receives extension.
In the Platonic TheologyFicino reports Proclus’s classifications of bodies and forms, including celestial bodies described as simple and immaterial while retaining dimensions.
In this edition“Can be conceived” and “can exist” preserve the explicit *non modo...
A place to readProclus’s classifications and definition distinguish matter, dimension and form

Meaning

The active extendit and passive extenditur distinguish what extends from what receives extension. Cogitari means to be conceived; esse to exist. Subiectum is the underlying recipient in the definition being examined, not a modern conscious subject.

Use in the book

Ficino reports Proclus’s classifications of bodies and forms, including celestial bodies described as simple and immaterial while retaining dimensions. He then examines a definition of form that includes acting and determinate actuality but does not explicitly include dimensions. The accompanying argument with Syrianus separates the need for extension in a recipient from the condition of the cause that extends it. If matter can be conceived without division, the extending principle can all the more be conceived and exist without dimensions. The shift from conceivability to existence is the argument’s conclusion, not something the lexicon should hide behind the single word “separate.” The surrounding arguments about whole, parts and unity continue Ficino’s case for incorporeal form; the precise boundary of attribution should be marked rather than assigning every later inference wholesale to both named authors.

Places to read

I.3.28Proclus’s classifications and definition distinguish matter, dimension and form
I.3.29Proclus and Syrianus are explicitly named for the extending/extended argument
I.3.30–312Unity and whole–part arguments continue the local case

Translation in this edition

“Can be conceived” and “can exist” preserve the explicit non modo... sed etiam contrast. “Immaterial” must not here be substituted for “incorporeal”: the passage expressly calls some bodies immaterial.

cogito / esse

cogito / esse. Printed forms: cogitari; esse.

To be conceived, contrasted here with existing. The extending principle is argued to be not merely conceivable without dimensions but capable of existing without them; the transition is explicit. References: I.3.29. See Proclus, Syrianus and extending matter.

extendo / extensio

extendo / extensio. Printed forms: extendi; extendit; extenditur; extensio.

To extend; extension. Receiving extension differs from actively extending something; the latter is assigned to a cause that need not itself be dimensioned. References: I.2.1, I.3.29. See Proclus, Syrianus and extending matter.

Proclus / Syrianus

Proclus / Syrianus. Printed forms: Proclo; Proclus; Syrianus.

The named authorities for classification and the extension argument. Proclus’s reported definition excludes dimensions explicitly; Proclus and Syrianus jointly distinguish the extending cause from the extended recipient. References: I.3.28, I.3.29. See Proclus, Syrianus and extending matter.