Proclus
Greek Neoplatonic philosopher, last major classical thinker of late antiquity.
He set forth one of the most elaborate and fully developed systems of Neoplatonism, and through later interpreters and translators, exerted an influence on Byzantine philosophy, early Islamic philosophy, scholastic philosophy, and German idealism.
- field
- Philosophy
- nationality
- Greek
- known_for
- Elaborate system of Neoplatonism; doctrine of henads; commentaries on Plato and Euclid
Lore & Background
He studied rhetoric, philosophy, and mathematics in Alexandria, initially intending to pursue a judicial position like his father. After a brief career as a successful practicing lawyer, he realized he preferred philosophy, returned to Alexandria, and studied Aristotle under Olympiodorus the Elder and mathematics under a teacher named Heron. He lived in Athens as a vegetarian bachelor, prosperous and generous to his friends, except for a one-year exile to avoid pressure from Christian authorities. Marinus reports that he was writing seven hundred lines each day.
Reader's Guide
Proclus's significance lies in his systematic elaboration of Neoplatonism, particularly his doctrine of henads—individual ones between the One and intelligible divinity—which he identified with Greek gods. He agreed with the three hypostases of Neoplatonism (the One, Intellect, and Soul) but unlike Plotinus did not hold that matter was evil. His philosophy emphasized theurgy, the use of power-laden words, acts, and objects to draw the soul back to its origin. His commentaries on Plato (including Alcibiades, Cratylus, Parmenides, Republic, Timaeus) presented his system as faithful interpretation, and his commentary on Euclid's Elements is a valuable source for the history of ancient mathematics. His systematic works, the Elements of Theology and Platonic Theology, systematized Neoplatonic doctrine. Through later interpreters, his thought influenced Byzantine, Islamic, scholastic, and German idealist philosophy, with Hegel calling Proclus's Platonic Theology 'the true turning point or transition from ancient to modern times, from ancient philosophy to Christianity.'
Did You Know?
- Proclus was called 'the Successor' because he succeeded Syrianus as head of the Neoplatonic Academy in Athens.
- He was a vegetarian bachelor who lived in Athens, except for a one-year exile to avoid pressure from Christian authorities.
- Marinus reports that Proclus was writing seven hundred lines each day.
- His commentary on Euclid's Elements includes a short sketch of early Greek geometry based on the lost work of Eudemus of Rhodes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Proclus best known for?
He is most celebrated for constructing one of the most comprehensive and fully articulated systems of Neoplatonism, as well as for his doctrine of henads. He also produced extensive commentaries on the works of Plato and Euclid.
How did Proclus influence later philosophy?
Through subsequent translators and interpreters, his ideas shaped Byzantine thought, early Islamic philosophical traditions, medieval scholasticism, and even German idealism. His work served as a bridge connecting classical Greek thought to later intellectual movements across multiple cultures.
Why is Proclus considered important in the history of philosophy?
As the last major classical philosopher of late antiquity, he represents the culmination of the Neoplatonic tradition before the decline of the Athenian school. His elaborate systematic framework gave later thinkers in numerous cultural traditions a structured foundation to build upon.
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