Abstract

In this article the theory of human intellect maintained by Origen of Alexandria in his treatise On First Principles is critically revised. It is appreciated an important influence of Peripatetic commentary on human soul but without existing a dependence of Origen on this literature. Rather, Origen presents an original reflection whose aim seems to be to resolve the problem of how the intellect participates with the soul and human body. The solution is notoriously effective and it is reached by involving the viewpoint of some authors of his time maintaining, in accordance with Holly Scriptures, that human soul is an intellect chilled by fall of souls and their contact with the created nature.