Neoplatonism

Neoplatonism is a philosophical system that emerged in the 3rd century AD, developed by Plotinus and further elaborated by his successors such as Porphyry, Iamblichus, and Proclus. It seeks to synthesize the ideas of Plato with a new set of metaphysical and religious interpretations. Neoplatonism had a profound influence on the development of Christian theology, Islamic philosophy, and the Renaissance thought, bridging the classical world and the early Christian and medieval periods.

Key Concepts of Neoplatonism

  • The One or The Good: At the apex of the Neoplatonic hierarchy is The One (also referred to as The Good), an ineffable and transcendent source of all reality. The One is beyond being and non-being, thought, or description, and from it emanates the Nous (Intellect or Divine Mind), the world of Forms or Ideas.
  • Nous: The Nous is the first emanation from The One and is the realm of perfect forms and the first principle of consciousness. It is where the Platonic forms reside, existing as thoughts within the divine mind. The Nous gives rise to the Soul (or World Soul), linking the intelligible and sensible worlds.
  • The Soul/World Soul: Emanating from the Nous, the Soul is responsible for the life force and order in the material world. Neoplatonism posits a World Soul that animates the universe and individual souls that partake in the rationality of the Nous. The descent of the soul into the body and the material world is seen as a fall from the intelligible realm, leading to a forgetfulness of its divine origin.
  • Matter and Evil: In Neoplatonism, matter is considered the lowest level of reality and the furthest emanation from The One. It is often associated with limitation, ignorance, and evil—not as positive entities but as privations or the absence of good and being.
  • The Ascent of the Soul: Central to Neoplatonism is the idea of the soul’s return or ascent to the divine. This spiritual journey involves purification, philosophical contemplation, and the practice of virtues, culminating in mystical union with The One. This ascent is facilitated by the practice of theurgy, a form of ritual magic that invokes divine powers, in some later Neoplatonic thought.

Influence

Neoplatonism significantly influenced early Christian theologians like Augustine of Hippo, who integrated Neoplatonic concepts into Christian doctrine. It also impacted Jewish and Islamic mystical traditions, and later, the Renaissance revival of Platonic themes. The metaphysical framework of Neoplatonism, with its emphasis on unity, transcendence, and the hierarchy of being, continued to shape philosophical, theological, and mystical thought well into the modern era.

Through its rich synthesis of Platonic philosophy with mystical and religious elements, Neoplatonism represents a crucial bridge between ancient philosophy and later Western and Islamic metaphysical and spiritual traditions.

Ages Of Philosophy

The Seven Ages of Philosophy

Explore diverse Eastern philosophies from China, India, Japan, and Persia. Uncover ancient to Medieval thinkers and themes shaping our understanding of life, ethics, and metaphysics.

Dall·e A Mystical And Intellectual Themed Image Representing The Philosophy Of Johannes Scotus Eriugena, Featuring Symbols Of Neoplatonism, An Ancient Cosmic

The Mystic Philosopher: Unraveling Johannes Scotus of Eriugena’s Intellectual Legacy

Embark on a captivating journey into the mind of Johannes Scotus of Eriugena, an unsung titan of medieval philosophy whose blend of Christian theology and Neoplatonist thought set him apart. Delve into his unique views on existence, which continue to influence mystic traditions, modern existential philosophy, and even holistic science.

Dall·e A Mystical And Cosmic Themed Image Representing The Philosophy Of Proclus, With Elements Of Ancient Greek Architecture, Celestial Bodies, And Symbolic

Proclus: The Last Great Neoplatonist of Antiquity

Discover the profound insights of philosopher Proclus, the last great torchbearer of Neoplatonism, as he intertwines metaphysics, mathematics, and mysticism to bridge the gap between the earthly and the divine. Unveiling his unique perspective on reality, Proclus believed that through virtue and philosophical contemplation, the soul could ascend from the material realm to reunite with ‘The One’.

Dall·e 2023 12 10 13.02.45 A Stunning Blog Header Image Inspired By Hypatia Of Alexandria. The Image Depicts An Ancient Library Setting, Reminiscent Of The Library Of Alexandria

Hypatia of Alexandria: The Luminous Mind in a Dark Age

Discover the remarkable life of Hypatia, a beacon of knowledge in the turbulent era of ancient Alexandria. From defying societal norms to leading intellectual debates, Hypatia’s influence and contributions continue to inspire and captivate, leaving a lasting impact on history and philosophy. Explore her story and legacy today.

dalle-conceptual-art-piece-blog-header-st-augustines-philosophy-serene-landscape-ancient-city

St. Augustine: Bridging Faith and Reason

Uncover the profound teachings of St. Augustine, a philosopher who masterfully intertwined faith and reason. Journey through his extraordinary life and explore his revolutionary concepts of sin, grace, predestination, and the influential impact he has had on Christian theology and Western philosophy.

header image inspired by our discussion on ancient Greek philosophy, featuring elements that symbolize the ideas of Plato and Plotinus, and blending themes of mysticism and rational thought

Navigating Neoplatonism: Plotinus and the Quest for the Divine

Discover the mystical world of Plotinus, an ancient philosopher whose ideas have resonated through time. Explore his concept of the Soul’s journey back to its divine source, as well as the intriguing notion of the physical world as a reflection of the divine.