Neoplatonism

[nee-oh-pleyt-n-iz-uh m]

noun (sometimes lowercase)

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

Related formsNe·o·pla·ton·ic

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for neoplatonism

Historical Examples of neoplatonism

He is a representative of the least attractive side of Neoplatonism.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 17, Slice 8
Various
Neoplatonism was a late and decadent form of the Greek philosophies.
A History of Spain
Charles E. Chapman
But Neoplatonism has itself apostatized from the rational and unitarian.
The Magic of the Middle Ages
Viktor Rydberg
Fourthly, the study of Aristotle also had an influence on Neoplatonism.
History of Dogma, Volume 1 (of 7)
Adolph Harnack
The Enneads of Plotinus are the fundamental documents of Neoplatonism.
History of Dogma, Volume 1 (of 7)
Adolph Harnack

Word Origin and History for neoplatonism

Neoplatonism

also Neo-platonism, 1827, a philosophical and religious system mixing Platonic ideas and oriental mysticism, originating 3c. at Alexandria, especially in writings of Plotinus, Porphyry, and Proclus. Neoplatonian is attested from 1831. Related: Neoplatonic; Neoplatonist.