Neo-Platonism

Question 1

who is Speusippius?

key figure in Platonic tradition

Answer 1

• took over as head of Plato’s academy after his death
• Nephew of Plato (nepotism)
• Aristotle left Athens b/c he was offended that he (as the best student) go usurped by nephew

Question 2

who was Plotinus?

key figure in Neo-Platonism

Answer 2

• the only student of Ammonius Saccas (Erennius, Origen, & Plotinus) to break the pact to not share their ideas
• disgusted by the human form
• joined the military to venture east and learn from the ppl there (didn’t fight)

Question 3

what are the 3 main aspects of Neo-Platonism?

Answer 3

1. The 3 Hypostases
2. The Material Realm
3. The Ascent to Beauty

Question 4

what are the 3 hypostates of Neo-Platonism?

three aspects of a single entity, not three seperate things

Answer 4

• The One
• Divine Mind (nous/understanding)
• All Soul

Question 5

what is “The One”?

Answer 5

• unity, simplicity, etc.
• the sourse of all things (nothing can come before it)
• does not exist b/c it does not have an essense
• infinite & absolute → did not come from anywhere
• better to act than not to act