The Logic of the Logos: A Note on Stoic Logic in Adversus Praxean 10

The influence of Stoic ethics and anthropology on Tertullian's thought has received substantial consideration. Much less attention has been given to the place of Stoic dialectic in his thought. This article is an initial attempt to remedy this lacuna by focusing on the place of Stoic dialectic in Adversus Praxean 10. My exegesis of this passage argues that Tertullian deploys Stoic dialectic, against his Monarchian interlocutor, to defend the distinction between Father and Son. For Tertullian, the rules of logic articulated in a Stoic syllogism serve to affirm his rational vision of theology, which, ultimately, is derived from the intelligibility of God's revealed will.