Proclus
5th century·Lycia·Neoplatonism
Proclus Lycius, also known as Proclus the Successor, was a prominent Greek Neoplatonic philosopher of late antiquity. He developed one of the most comprehensive Neoplatonist systems, significantly influencing later philosophical traditions. His philosophical work aimed to liberate the soul and prepare it for ascent to higher spiritual realms.
Key Facts
- ›Born in Constantinople in 412 CE to a family of high social status.
- ›Studied rhetoric, philosophy, and mathematics in Alexandria and later in Athens.
- ›Succeeded Syrianus as head of the Neoplatonic Academy in Athens in 437 CE.
- ›Authored significant philosophical works including "Elements of Theology" and "Platonic Theology."
- ›Developed a system featuring "henads" as intermediaries between the one and the material world.
- ›Exerted influence on Byzantine, Islamic, and scholastic philosophy, and German idealism.
- Developed A Comprehensive Neoplatonist System.
- Authored "Elements of Theology" and "Platonic Theology."
- Wrote Commentaries On Plato's Dialogues.
- Provided A Historical Sketch of Early Geometry In His Commentary On Euclid's Elements.
About Proclus
Proclus Lycius: Neoplatonic Philosopher
Proclus Lycius, known as Proclus the Successor (Ancient Greek: Πρόκλος ὁ Διάδοχος, Próklos ho Diádokhos), was a preeminent Greek Neoplatonic philosopher who lived from February 8, 412 CE, to April 17, 485 CE. He is considered one of the last major classical philosophers of late antiquity and established one of the most intricate and fully developed systems of Neoplatonism.
Life and Education
Born in Constantinople to a family of high social standing from Lycia, Proclus was raised in Xanthus. Initially intending to pursue a judicial career like his father, he studied rhetoric, philosophy, and mathematics in Alexandria. After a period as a practicing lawyer, he found philosophy more fulfilling and returned to Alexandria to study Aristotle under Olympiodorus the Elder and mathematics under Heron.
Dissatisfied with the philosophical instruction in Alexandria, Proclus moved to Athens in 431 CE. There, he studied at the Neoplatonic successor to the New Academy under Plutarch of Athens, Syrianus, and Asclepigenia. He became the head of the Academy in 437 CE, succeeding Syrianus, and remained in Athens as a vegetarian bachelor, living prosperously and generously until his death, save for a brief exile.
Philosophical System and Works
Proclus's philosophy is characterized by his elaboration of "henads," individual divine unities that exist between the ultimate One (which is before being) and intelligible divinity. These henads, identified with Greek gods, stand at the head of causal chains and impart their specific character to them. He believed philosophy's role was to liberate the soul from bodily passions and prepare it for ascent to higher spiritual realms, emphasizing the importance of embodied practice and theurgy, as advocated by Iamblichus.
His major systematic works include "Elements of Theology" (Στοιχείωσις θεολογική), a series of 211 propositions explaining his metaphysical system, and "Platonic Theology" (Περὶ τῆς κατὰ Πλάτωνα θεολογίας), which outlines divine orders derived from Platonic dialogues. Proclus also authored numerous commentaries on Plato's dialogues, including the "Timaeus," "Parmenides," and "Republic," presenting his philosophy as a faithful interpretation of Plato. His "Commentary on Euclid's Elements" is a valuable source for the history of ancient mathematics.
Legacy
Proclus's influence extended significantly into the Middle Ages, largely indirectly through figures like Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite and Boethius. His "Elements of Theology" circulated as "Liber de Causis," a work attributed to Aristotle, highlighting its considerable authority. During the Renaissance, his works were studied by figures such as Nicholas of Cusa and Marsilio Ficino. His "Platonic Theology" was famously praised by G. W. F. Hegel as a pivotal text transitioning from ancient to modern philosophy and Christianity.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Proclus Lycius?
Proclus Lycius, also known as Proclus the Successor, was a significant Greek Neoplatonic philosopher of late antiquity. He is recognized for developing one of the most elaborate and complete systems of Neoplatonism.
Where and when was Proclus born and did he die?
Proclus was born on February 8, 412 CE, in Constantinople to a family of Lycian origin. He died on April 17, 485 CE, in Athens, where he had spent much of his life as a philosopher.
What were Proclus's major philosophical contributions?
Proclus is known for elaborating the Neoplatonic concept of henads, which are individual divine unities existing between the ultimate One and intelligible divinity. He also emphasized the importance of an embodied practice of philosophy, agreeing with the doctrines of theurgy.
What are Proclus's most important written works?
His key systematic works include "Elements of Theology," presented as 211 propositions with proofs, and "Platonic Theology," which systematizes material from Plato's dialogues. He also wrote extensive commentaries on Plato's dialogues and Euclid's Elements.
What influence did Proclus have on later thought?
Through later interpreters and translators, Proclus exerted influence on Byzantine philosophy, early Islamic philosophy, scholastic philosophy, and German idealism. G. W. F. Hegel considered his "Platonic Theology" a crucial turning point from ancient to modern thought.
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