A prolegomena is an introduction.
Prolegomenon is a term derived from a Greek word that can be translated as “preambles” . The concept is used to name the treatise that is located at the beginning of a work with the intention of establishing the general foundations of what will be discussed below.
For example: “The sociologist explains in the prolegomena to his essay what he understands by urban tribe,” “It is a book written in such complicated language that it already baffled me from the prolegomena,” “In the prolegomena to the tragedy, the emperor announces to his wife who will defend the fortress or die trying.”
The prolegomena as an introduction
The notion of prolegomena can be associated with the idea of introduction or antecedent . In this case, a prolegomena can be formed by the events prior to a main event. If a journalist wants to chronicle a political leader who wins an election and is elected governor, he can affirm that the lead-up to his victory included agreements with opposition forces and meetings with neighbors. This means that said background served for the success he obtained in the elections.
The prolegomena can also be a historical stage that precedes another. In this sense we can speak of the precursor to democracy in a country or the precursor to the conquest of a territory.
Prolegomena, on the other hand, is usually used in colloquial language to refer to an introduction or preparation that is excessive or unnecessary : “Why so much prolegomena? Don't waste time and tell me how I can help you,” “Don't continue with the pretext, I'm not going to forgive your brother.”
The concept of prolegomena is important in Christianity.
The concept in Christian theology
The Christian religion uses the term prolegomena to define fundamental theology: that which studies and presents the fundamental, basic and primary principles of theology (an enterprise that has the objective of creating a coherent system of practices and beliefs).
Christian theology is based especially on the texts of the Old Testament and the New Testament , but also on the traditions of the religion that have been collected throughout history. Its practice includes the explanation of the content of the Bible through rational analysis, criticism and defense of the positions expressed in it, with the aim of promoting Christianity.
The principles to which the idea of prolegomena refers can be understood through theology, also thanks to comparing the Christian religion with other beliefs, defending it against criticism and objections; Thus everything results in Christianity having more possibilities to spread and cross borders.
The first prolegomena of Christianity can be considered contact with God, which can occur through active or passive communication. This revelation does not always include God himself, but an angel may manifest, among other divine agents; The person who lives this experience is known as a prophet .
For Christians, the Bible was divinely revealed, which can be considered a supernatural fact, as much as the inspiration of an artist. This type of revelation does not necessarily require the direct action of God or an agent; Roman Catholics, for example, called the perception of an inner voice that only its receiver could hear, interior locution .
The scriptures can be considered the basis of Christian theology; Each one of them is a prolegomena, a background to its study, to the formation of the pillars on which it currently rests. A very relevant concept in this context is biblical inspiration , the doctrine of theology that seeks to explain the origin of the Bible, especially studying what this set of books can teach you about it.