Neoplatonism

Definition

Neoplatonism is a philosophical system that emerged in the 3rd century CE, rooted in the teachings of Plato but expanded to include mystical and religious elements. It emphasizes the existence of a single, transcendent source of all reality known as the One, from which everything emanates, and seeks to understand the relationship between the material and spiritual worlds. Neoplatonism significantly influenced later philosophical thought, particularly in the context of Roman philosophers who integrated these ideas with their own beliefs about ethics, metaphysics, and the divine.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Neoplatonism was influential during the Roman Empire and provided a framework for blending Greek philosophical thought with emerging Christian theology.
2. The concept of emanation describes how all levels of reality flow from The One, with each level being less perfect than the one before it.
3. Neoplatonists believed that the ultimate goal of human life is to return to The One through intellectual and spiritual purification.
4. Prominent Neoplatonist philosophers, like Plotinus and Porphyry, wrote extensively about ethics and the nature of existence, shaping later philosophical traditions.
5. Neoplatonism had a lasting impact on both medieval philosophy and Renaissance thought, influencing thinkers like Augustine and later Christian mystics.

Review Questions

• How did Neoplatonism differ from classical Platonic thought while still maintaining some core ideas?
  • Neoplatonism builds on Plato's ideas but introduces a more complex metaphysical structure that includes The One as the ultimate source of reality. While Plato emphasized forms and ideas as central to understanding existence, Neoplatonists like Plotinus shifted focus towards a hierarchical view of reality where all things emanate from The One. This added a mystical dimension that was less pronounced in classical Platonic thought, allowing for deeper exploration of spiritual practices and ethical living.
• Discuss the significance of emanation in Neoplatonism and its implications for understanding reality.
  • Emanation in Neoplatonism is crucial as it describes how all existence flows from The One in a descending hierarchy. Each level of reality—Intellect (Nous), Soul, and material world—represents a further step away from the perfection of The One. This notion implies that understanding our place within this hierarchy can lead to greater insight into our own nature and purpose. It suggests that individuals can strive towards intellectual and spiritual growth to reconnect with The One.
• Evaluate how Neoplatonism influenced later philosophical movements and its relevance in contemporary thought.
  • Neoplatonism's emphasis on the spiritual dimension of existence shaped early Christian theology by introducing ideas about an ultimate divine source and the soul's journey towards perfection. Its influence can be seen in medieval philosophy with thinkers like Augustine, who incorporated Neoplatonic concepts into Christian doctrine. In contemporary thought, Neoplatonism continues to resonate in discussions about metaphysics, ethics, and spirituality, particularly in New Age philosophies that emphasize personal transcendence and interconnectedness with a higher reality.

Related terms

Plato: An ancient Greek philosopher whose works laid the foundation for Western philosophy, emphasizing ideas such as ideal forms and the importance of reason.

The One: In Neoplatonism, The One refers to the ultimate reality and source of all existence, representing a transcendent state beyond being and non-being.

Plotinus:

A key figure in Neoplatonism, Plotinus is often regarded as its founder and developed ideas about the nature of reality, the soul, and the process of emanation from The One.