Neoplatonism

[ nee-oh-pleyt-n-iz-uhm ]

noun

Sometimes neoplatonism . a philosophical system, originated in the 3rd century a.d. by Plotinus, founded chiefly on Platonic doctrine and Eastern mysticism, with later influences from Christianity. It holds that all existence consists of emanations from the One with whom the soul may be reunited.

Origin of Neoplatonism

First recorded in 1835–45; neo- + Platonism

Other words from Neoplatonism

Ne·o·pla·ton·ic [nee-oh-pluh-ton-ik], /ˌni oʊ pləˈtɒn ɪk/, adjective
Ne·o·pla·to·nist, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Neoplatonism in a sentence

This is the more remarkable because it is not an essential element in Neo-Platonism, upon which Gabirol's system is based.
A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy | Isaac Husik
He shows a better knowledge of Aristotelian ideas than his predecessors, and is well versed in Neo-Platonism.
A History of Mediaeval Jewish Philosophy | Isaac Husik
If Plutarch was not the founder of Neo-Platonism, he was one of its precursors and he showed the path.
The Conflict of Religions in the Early Roman Empire | T. R. Glover
The essential character of Neo-Platonism comes out in its theory of the mystical exaltation of the subject to God.
A Critical History of Greek Philosophy | W. T. Stace
In Neo-Platonism, therefore, ancient philosophy commits suicide.
A Critical History of Greek Philosophy | W. T. Stace

British Dictionary definitions for Neo-Platonism

Neo-Platonism

Neoplatonism

/ (ˌniːəʊˈpleɪtəˌnɪzəm) /

noun

a philosophical system which was first developed in the 3rd century ad as a synthesis of Platonic, Pythagorean, and Aristotelian elements, and which, although originally opposed to Christianity, later incorporated it. It dominated European thought until the 13th century and re-emerged during the Renaissance

Derived forms of Neo-Platonism

Neo-Platonic (ˌniːəʊpləˈtɒnɪk), adjective
Neo-Platonist, noun, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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