Vladimir Cvetkovic: The Relationship between the Logos of Well-Being and Modes of Existence in Maximus the Confessor

The aim of this paper is to explore the relationship between the notions of “logos of well-being” and the “mode of existence” in Maximus the Confessor. In pursuing this goal the paper addresses the problem of how to understand the logos of well-being, which belongs to the realm of the human will. Although it is possible that the human being may act against the logoi embedded in its nature, the question arises of how one’s mode of existence can be established by acting against one’s own will. In answering this question, I will first draw a parallel between the triad of the logos of being, the logos of well-being and the logos of eternal being on the one hand, and individual and universal logoi in human beings on the other. Secondly, I will attempt to demonstrate that by acting in accordance with the individual logos, the particular human being is led to make itself conform to universal logoi, such as the logoi of species, genera and genus. Thirdly, I will apply the same methodology to the triad formed of “being,” “well-being,” and “eternal being,” with the intention of proving that the precondition of human beings’ compliance with the logos of well-being is acting according to the logos of nature. The result of this investigation is to demonstrate that by acting in accordance with the logos of well-being, the human being establishes its own mode of existence – one that is always in compliance with the divine will.