Customer Reviews

Reading Neoplatonism: Non-discursive Thinking in the Texts of Plotinus, Proclus, and Damascius

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This excellent book begins with an interrogation: why were the Neoplatonists so weary of discursive thinking while at the same time being the most exegetical philosophical school of all Antiquity? This question's vastness precludes any exhaustive treatment, but Rappe's study goes a long way in fleshing out the most important aspects of its ambitious and fascinating theme, namely the nature of Neoplatonic knowledge and the multiple (not to mention extremely varied) ways that lead to mystical experience in Neoplatonism (philosophical exegesis, mathematics, myth, theurgy, prayer and invocation, etc.). Rappe focuses on Plotinus, Proclus and Damascius - an audacious decision, since most scholars tend to isolate Plotinus from the later Neoplatonists, but a welcome one because Plotinus is at least as fascinated as the later Neoplatonists by the 'gap' between the text and what it can't express, if not even more so. A small caveat: the book would have benefitted from further proofreading done by a French speaker; the French quotes and titles are full of errors. Still, it remains a must-read study for students of Neoplatonism and religion.

The acclaimed philosopher Sara Rappe has written a very interesting collection of work. The central question - how is the thinking of Plato still applicable today. Extensive research gives as many answers as possible...perhaps not all the answers are necessary. Prof. Rappe's style is shaky at times, of Neoplatism is your thing, you will not be disappointed. A great way to get in touch with classical thinking