Conceptualizing and Defining Mysticism: A Dialectical Exploration of Cataphatic and Apophatic Approaches

Abstract

Dr. Tatiana Zdyb

This paper investigates the intricate process of conceptualizing and defining mysticism by engaging in a dialectical exploration of cataphatic and apophatic approaches. Cataphatic mysticism, characterized by attempts to describe the divine through affirmative language and imagery, is contrasted with apophatic mysticism, which emphasizes the ineffability of the divine through negation and silence. This article examines historical and contemporary instances of each approach, analyzing how they contribute to the understanding of mystical experiences and their significance within theological contexts. By employing a dialectical method, the paper harmonizes these seemingly opposing perspectives, revealing how they can complement and enrich each other to create a more nuanced framework for defining mysticism. The analysis underscores the importance of embracing both the expressive and transcendent dimensions of mystical experience, providing a comprehensive understanding that accommodates the limits and potentials of language and human understanding. This advances the dialogue surrounding mysticism.

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