Philosophy in Late Antiquity

• DOI: 10.33137/aestimatio.v3i0.25766
• Publication Date: 2020-10-03T19:41:44Z
• Authors: Andrew Smith (boo...; Sara Ahbel-Rappe ...
• Keywords: Late Antiquity

Neoplatonism, the most influential philosophical movement of Roman Empire, combined metaphysical speculation on esoteric meanings Plato's dialogues with a contemplative vision reality.At once erudite and eclectic, as it drew six centuries development between Academy its emergence in Alexandria third century ad, Neoplatonism above all used structures to expound expand dimensions inner experience.In his book, Philosophy Late Antiquity, Andrew Smith traces major developments growth Neoplatonic philosophy from fifth centuries, then concludes look at Christian thinkers who especially aligned themselves this movement.Smith's book is addressed students relatively little exposure primary texts that he surveys, abstruse very prolific writings Plotinus, Porphyry, Iamblichus, Augustine, Pseudo-Dionysius.In choosing focus perhaps succeeds limiting what would otherwise be sprawling unwieldy topic: surely no introductory could cover including Scepticism, Aristotelian Commentator Tradition, Stoicism, Jewish Middle Platonism.Smith devotes first part an explication Plotinus' Enneads.His consideration Plotinus by far thorough discussion seems only right.It was brilliantly original work (ad 204--270) recorded Enneads, edited published disciple inspired provided foundations for later Neoplatonists such Iamblichus (active ad 245) Proclus 412--485).