Novoplatonist

Novoplatonism is a philosophical and religious movement that flourished in the Roman Empire from the 3rd to the 6th century CE. It is often considered the final major development of classical philosophy. The term "Novoplatonism" itself was coined by scholars in the 19th century, as its adherents did not use this name. The central figure and most influential philosopher associated with this tradition is Plotinus.

The core of Novoplatonist thought revolves around a hierarchical cosmology, with a single, transcendent, and ultimate principle called "The One" or "The Good" at the apex. From The One, reality emanates in a series of descending levels. The first emanation is Intellect (Nous), which contains all the Forms or Ideas. From Intellect, in turn, emanates Soul (Psyche), which connects the intelligible realm with the material world. The material world is seen as the lowest level of reality, furthest from The One and thus less perfect.

Novoplatonists sought to understand the nature of reality, the human soul, and the path to spiritual ascent. They believed that the human soul has a divine origin and can achieve union or ecstasy with The One through philosophical contemplation, ascetic practices, and purification. Key concepts include emanation, the transcendence of the ultimate principle, the divinity of the Forms, and the soul's journey back to its source. Major figures after Plotinus include Porphyry, Iamblichus, and Proclus. Novoplatonism had a significant impact on later Christian, Jewish, and Islamic thought, influencing theologians and philosophers for centuries.