Neoplatonism

Pauliina Remes

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2014
• eBook ISBN: 9781317492887
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: Ancient History
• Index: History

Although Neoplatonism has long been studied by classicists, until recently most philosophers saw the ideas of Plotinus et al as a lot of religious/magical mumbo-jumbo. Recent work however has provided a new perspective on the philosophical issues in Neoplatonism and Pauliina Remes new introduction to the subject is the first to take account of this fresh research and provides a reassessment of Neoplatonism's philosophical credentials. Covering the Neoplatonic movement from its founder, Plotinus (AD 204-70) to the closure of Plato's Academy in AD 529 Remes explores the ideas of leading Neoplatonists such as Porphyry, lamblichus, Proclus, Simplicius and Damascius as well as less well-known thinkers. Situating their ideas alongside classical Platonism, Stoicism, and the neo-Pythagoreans as well as other intellectual movements of the time such as Gnosticism, Judaism and Christianity, Remes provides a valuable survey for the beginning student and non-specialist.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Preface
• Acknowledgements
• 1. Introduction
• 2. The first principles and the metaphysical hierarchy
• 3. Nature and the sensible universe
• 4. Human being and the self
• 5. Epistemology and philosophical psychology
• 6. Ethics and politics
• 7. The Neoplatonic legacy
• Glossary of terms
• Guide to further reading
• References
• Index of passages
• Index