“Autarchy” in the thought of Clement of Alexandria. A paradigm for establishing a “greed line” in the Indian context

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

Title

Statement of Problem

Elaboration of the Problem

Importance of the Problem

Purpose of the Research

Method of Study

Hypothesis

Division into Chapters

Scope and Limitation

Previous Research

CHAPTER – 1 CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA: LIFE, INFLUENCES AND THOUGHT

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Alexandria

1.3 Clement of Alexandria: Theologian Par excellence

1.3.1 Birth and early years

1.3.2 Philosophy and Influences

1.3.3 Biblical Hermeneutics

1.4 The Trilogy and other writings

1.4.1 Kerygma: The Divine movement and economy of salvation

1.5 Critical evaluation

1.5.1 Photios’ Bibliotheca: Critique

1.6. Conclusion

Chapter 2 Autarkia: in Context

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Philosophy: Handmaid of Christianity

2.3 Autarkia: in Greek Philosophical context

2.4 The Christian context: A Project of Perfection

2.5 Trajectory of Autarchy in Clement

2.5.1 Autarchy and Theosis

2.5.2 The Attainment of Likeness

2.5.3 Christian Perfection: In God

2.6 Social Sensitivity: An essential requisite

Conclusion

Chapter 3 Greed Line and Autarchy in Indian Thought

3.1 Introduction

3.2 The Global Crisis

3.3 Poverty, Wealth and Ecology Project of the WCC

3.4 Greed Line

3.5 A Framework: Towards multidimensional greed indicators

3.6 Indian Economic Context

3.7 Indian Philosophical wealth

3.7.1 Principle Thoughts

3.8 Indian Economic Perspectives

3.9 Buddhism: The Philosophical aspiration

3.8.1 Buddhism: The Greaco-Indian connect

3.10 Gandhian Thought

3.10.1 Selected Gandhian Economic and Ethical features

3.10.1.1 Non-stealing

Evaluation

Conclusion

CHAPTER- 4 CONCLUSION

Research Objectives and Themes

This thesis explores the concept of "Autarchy" (self-sufficiency) in the writings of Clement of Alexandria as an ethical and moral paradigm to address contemporary economic disparities, particularly in the Indian context. The research aims to bridge Patristic thought with modern economic concerns to establish a "greed line" based on principles of sufficiency and social responsibility.

• The role of "Autarchy" in the theological and ethical framework of Clement of Alexandria.
• Linking Patristic teachings on wealth, poverty, and stewardship to modern economic crises.
• Integrating Indian philosophical traditions—such as Gandhian economics and Buddhist concepts—with Christian thought.
• Developing a moral "greed line" to define an upper limit of legitimate consumption.
• Promoting a culture of "enough" to combat structural greed and economic inequality.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

INTRODUCTION: Provides an overview of the global economic and financial crises, identifying "greed" as a root cause and proposing the concept of a "greed line" to establish limits for wealth accumulation.

CHAPTER – 1 CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA: LIFE, INFLUENCES AND THOUGHT: Examines the biography, philosophical context, and literary work of Clement, highlighting his synthesis of Greek philosophy and Christian faith.

Chapter 2 Autarkia: in Context: Analyzes the concept of "Autarkia" in Greek philosophy and its development into a project of Christian perfection, focusing on inner detachment and stewardship.

Chapter 3 Greed Line and Autarchy in Indian Thought: Explores the application of these concepts within the Indian socio-economic framework, drawing parallels between Patristic thought, Gandhian economics, and Buddhist philosophy.

CHAPTER- 4 CONCLUSION: Synthesizes the research findings, emphasizing the need for an ethical, contextual approach to wealth that promotes social sensitivity and communal well-being.

Keywords

Clement of Alexandria, Autarchy, Autarkia, Greed Line, Indian Economic Context, Gandhian Thought, Poverty, Wealth, Christian Theology, Theosis, Social Sensitivity, Stewardship, Koinonia, Patristics, Self-sufficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary objective of this research?

The research aims to explore the concept of "Autarchy" in the works of Clement of Alexandria to develop an ethical paradigm for establishing a "greed line" within the Indian socio-economic context.

What is the core meaning of the "greed line"?

The greed line is a moral and ethical concept representing the upper limit of legitimate consumption, intended to counter unbounded accumulation and structural inequality.

Which philosophical and theological traditions are synthesized in this work?

The study synthesizes early Christian Patristic thought, specifically that of Clement of Alexandria, with Indian philosophical concepts like Gandhian non-stealing, Buddhist views on desire, and the general Indian ethic of sharing.

What methodology does the researcher use?

The research is primarily analytical and reflective, examining historical texts to extract concepts that can be reinterpreted to address modern crises of wealth and ecology.

How does Clement of Alexandria define wealth?

Clement views wealth as a neutral gift from God, meant to be used for the benefit of the community and the needy rather than for personal luxury or display.

What is the role of "Autarchy" in modern society according to the author?

Autarchy serves as a counter-cultural approach to modern consumerism, encouraging a "culture of enough" that prioritizes spiritual and communal integrity over the rat race of accumulation.

How does this thesis connect Gandhian thought to Christian Patristics?

It draws parallels between Gandhian concepts of "trusteeship" and "non-possession" and the Christian call for social responsibility and detachment, finding both to be convergent models for social and moral regeneration.

What is the relationship between "Autarchy" and "Theosis"?

Theosis (deification) is the ultimate goal of the Christian life, and Autarchy functions as a necessary, en-route discipline of detachment and contentment that enables the soul's journey toward God.