How Do You Spell NEOPLATONIST?

Pronunciation: [nˌiːə͡ʊplˈatənˌɪst] (IPA)

The word "Neoplatonist" is spelled as [nee-oh-pley-tuh-nist]. The prefix "neo-" means new, while "Platonist" refers to the teachings of the philosopher Plato. A Neoplatonist is someone who follows a new interpretation of Plato's philosophy, which emerged in the third century A.D. The "-ist" suffix suggests a person who supports or adheres to a particular ideology. The pronunciation guide, in this case, uses the International Phonetic Alphabet to help clarify the spelling and pronunciation of this word.

NEOPLATONIST Meaning and Definition

1. A Neoplatonist refers to an adherent or follower of Neoplatonism, a philosophical school that emerged in the 3rd century CE and reached its peak during the late ancient period. Neoplatonism was heavily influenced by the teachings of Plato, aiming to revive and expand on his ideas by incorporating elements of other philosophical systems, particularly those of Pythagoras and Stoicism.

   Neoplatonists focused on metaphysics and the relationship between the physical world and the realm of the absolute or divine. They posited the existence of a hierarchy of beings, starting with the ultimate reality, or the One, which is indivisible, perfect, and the source of all existence. From the One emanated the Nous or Intellect, which represents the highest level of consciousness and the gateway to comprehending the divine. Further emanations include the World Soul and individual souls, which are bound to the physical realm but retain a connection to the divine.

   Neoplatonists sought to achieve a union with the divine through a variety of philosophical and contemplative practices, such as asceticism, contemplation, and the purification of the soul. They believed that ultimate fulfillment and salvation could be attained by transcending the material world to reach a state of unity with the divine.

   The influence of Neoplatonism extended beyond philosophy and permeated various fields, including theology, mysticism, and art. Its ideas played a significant role in shaping both Western and Eastern thought, impacting figures such as Plotinus, Porphyry, Proclus, and Augustine, and leaving a lasting legacy on subsequent philosophical and spiritual traditions.

Common Misspellings for NEOPLATONIST

• neoploatonist
• neoplastonist
• Neoplatonised
• Neoplatanist

Etymology of NEOPLATONIST

The word "Neoplatonist" is derived from two components: "Neo" and "Platonist".

1. "Neo" comes from the Greek word "neos", meaning "new" or "recent". It is often used as a prefix to signify something that is modern or revived.

2. "Platonist" refers to someone who follows the philosophy of Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher. Plato's teachings and ideas have had a significant influence on Western philosophy.

Combining these two components, "Neoplatonist" refers to a modern or revived follower of the philosophical school founded by Plato. The Neoplatonists were a group of philosophers in the late ancient period who sought to reconcile Platonic philosophy with other philosophical and religious traditions, such as those of the Stoics and the Pythagoreans.

Similar spelling words for NEOPLATONIST

• neopolitan,
• Neoplatonism,
• neapolitan.

Plural form of NEOPLATONIST is NEOPLATONISTS