Neoplatonism vs. Platonism

Attribute	Neoplatonism	Platonism
Founder	Plotinus	Plato
Focus	Emphasis on mystical experience and spiritual ascent	Emphasis on the theory of forms and the nature of reality
Metaphysics	Belief in the One as the source of all existence	Belief in the realm of forms as the ultimate reality
Cosmology	Hierarchy of beings emanating from the One	Theory of the tripartite soul and the allegory of the cave
Epistemology	Knowledge through mystical intuition and contemplation	Knowledge through dialectic and reason

Origins

Platonism, as the name suggests, refers to the philosophical teachings of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato. Plato's ideas were recorded in his dialogues, where he explored various topics such as ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology. Neoplatonism, on the other hand, emerged later as a philosophical movement that sought to build upon and expand upon Plato's original teachings. Neoplatonism was developed by thinkers such as Plotinus, Porphyry, and Proclus in the 3rd to 5th centuries AD.

Metaphysics

One of the key differences between Platonism and Neoplatonism lies in their respective views on metaphysics. Platonism posits the existence of a realm of ideal forms or essences that are more real and perfect than the physical world we perceive with our senses. These forms are eternal and unchanging, serving as the ultimate reality behind the world of appearances. Neoplatonism, on the other hand, introduces the concept of the One, which is beyond being and non-being and serves as the source of all existence. The One is ineffable and transcendent, encompassing all things in a unified whole.

Cosmology

Platonism and Neoplatonism also differ in their cosmological views. Platonism presents a dualistic cosmology, with the physical world being a mere reflection or imitation of the ideal forms. The soul, according to Plato, is immortal and pre-exists in the realm of forms before being incarnated in a physical body. Neoplatonism, on the other hand, emphasizes the hierarchical structure of reality, with the One at the top and emanations flowing downward. The soul's ultimate goal in Neoplatonism is to return to the One through a process of purification and contemplation.

Epistemology

When it comes to epistemology, both Platonism and Neoplatonism share a belief in the existence of innate knowledge or recollection. Plato famously argued that learning is a process of recollecting what the soul already knows from its pre-existence in the realm of forms. Neoplatonism builds upon this idea by emphasizing the role of contemplation and mystical experience in gaining knowledge of the One. For Neoplatonists, true knowledge is not acquired through discursive reasoning but through direct intuition of the divine.

Ethics

Platonism and Neoplatonism also differ in their ethical teachings. Plato's dialogues often explore questions of virtue, justice, and the good life, with an emphasis on the cultivation of wisdom, courage, and temperance. Neoplatonism, influenced by Eastern mystical traditions, places a greater emphasis on the purification of the soul and the ascent towards the One. The Neoplatonic philosopher Plotinus, for example, taught that the ultimate goal of life is to transcend the material world and unite with the divine through spiritual practices.

Influence

Despite their differences, both Platonism and Neoplatonism have had a profound influence on Western philosophy and theology. Platonism laid the foundation for many of the ideas that would shape Western thought, including the distinction between appearance and reality, the immortality of the soul, and the importance of reason in the pursuit of truth. Neoplatonism, with its emphasis on mystical experience and the unity of all things, influenced Christian theologians such as Augustine and Pseudo-Dionysius, as well as Islamic philosophers like Al-Farabi and Avicenna.