Dictionary Proclus

Proclus (c. 410-485) was the last important ancient Greek philosopher, the most influential representative of the Athenian school of Neoplatonism.

Like the great 3rd-century Neoplatonist philosopher Plotinus, Proclus taught the existence of an ultimate, indescribable reality, the One, from which lesser realities, including humanity and the material universe, are produced by a process of emanation.

According to this tradition, the task of philosophy is to transcend the limitations of the human senses and intellect and thus to point the way to a mystical reunion of the individual with the One. This "negative theology" is, in essence, a religious interpretation of Plato's thought.

See also


Home » Dictionary » Letter P » Proclus