Reading Neoplatonism: Non-discursive Thinking in the Texts of Plotinus, Proclus, and Damascius

by Sara Rappe

Neoplatonism is a term used to designate the form of Platonic philosophy that developed in the Roman Empire from the third to the fifth century A.D. and that based itself on the corpus of Plato's dialogues. Sara Rappe's challenging and innovative study is the first book to analyze Neoplatonic texts themselves using contemporary philosophy of language. It covers the whole tradition of Neoplatonic writing from Plotinus through Proclus to Damascius. In providing the broadest available survey of Neoplatonic writing the book will appeal to classical philosophers, classicists, as well as students of religious studies.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

292 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Sarah Rappe is a professor in the department of classical studies in the university of Michigan

Reviews

[Tony Gualtieri]

A linguistic exploration of the later Neoplatonists. Rappe suggests that their books were meant as guides for the reader to access a wisdom that lies in the mind: the unity of the intellect and its objects. The mathematical symbols, the Orphic references, and the subversion of discursive thinking, which separates the self from the world, are in effect tools for the reader to explore his or her own consciousness and develop a philosophy from within. It's a beautiful thesis and motivates one to plunge into these supremely obscure and difficult texts.

[Dann]

This was an incredible exposition on Neoplatonism. Dr. Rappe-Able has an adept comprehension of what we denominate as Neoplatonism, and franky, of the culmination of ancient philosophy as a whole.

I cannot recommend this book enough to anyone who is academically more than interested in Neoplatonic thought

She talks about a once living tradition of Neoplatonism that likely had some resemblance to a living teacher-to-student transference (with doubtful caveats) but her critical look and philosophical exegesis of the totality of
Neoplatonic texts pretty much solidifies her position as a modern day teacher herself. This was a delight to read and utterly insightful. If you're considering it, read it.

[Hunter]

Great Book