Neo-Platonism

Description: Neo-Platonism is a school of philosophy that emerged in the 3rd century AD, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Plato and other earlier Platonists. This quiz will test your knowledge of the key concepts and figures associated with Neo-Platonism.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: philosophy ancient philosophy neo-platonism
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Who is considered the founder of Neo-Platonism?

  1. Plotinus

  2. Ammonius Saccas

  3. Porphyry

  4. Iamblichus


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Plotinus is widely regarded as the founder of Neo-Platonism. He was a Greek philosopher who lived in Rome during the 3rd century AD and established a school of philosophy that attracted students from all over the Roman Empire.

What is the central concept of Neo-Platonism?

  1. The One

  2. The Demiurge

  3. The World Soul

  4. The Forms


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The One is the central concept of Neo-Platonism. It is the ultimate reality, the source of all existence, and the goal of all spiritual striving. The One is ineffable and transcendent, beyond the reach of human understanding.

How does Neo-Platonism view the relationship between the One and the world of multiplicity?

  1. The One is the source of the world of multiplicity.

  2. The world of multiplicity is an emanation of the One.

  3. The One and the world of multiplicity are co-eternal.

  4. The One and the world of multiplicity are completely separate.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Neo-Platonism teaches that the world of multiplicity is an emanation of the One. This means that the One is the source of all things, and that the world of multiplicity is a manifestation of the One's creative power.

What is the role of the Demiurge in Neo-Platonism?

  1. The Demiurge is the creator of the world.

  2. The Demiurge is the intermediary between the One and the world.

  3. The Demiurge is the soul of the world.

  4. The Demiurge is the principle of evil.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Demiurge is a concept in Neo-Platonism that refers to the intermediary between the One and the world of multiplicity. The Demiurge is responsible for creating the world and ordering it according to the principles of the One.

What is the World Soul in Neo-Platonism?

  1. The World Soul is the principle of life in the world.

  2. The World Soul is the intermediary between the Demiurge and the world.

  3. The World Soul is the principle of order in the world.

  4. The World Soul is the principle of evil in the world.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The World Soul is a concept in Neo-Platonism that refers to the principle of life in the world. The World Soul is responsible for animating the world and giving it vitality.

What is the goal of human existence in Neo-Platonism?

  1. To return to the One.

  2. To achieve union with the Demiurge.

  3. To achieve union with the World Soul.

  4. To achieve liberation from the cycle of rebirth.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The goal of human existence in Neo-Platonism is to return to the One. This is achieved through a process of purification and contemplation, which allows the soul to transcend the limitations of the material world and experience union with the divine.

Which Neo-Platonic philosopher wrote the Enneads?

  1. Plotinus

  2. Ammonius Saccas

  3. Porphyry

  4. Iamblichus


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Plotinus wrote the Enneads, a collection of six books that contain his philosophical teachings. The Enneads are considered one of the most important works in the history of philosophy.

Which Neo-Platonic philosopher wrote the Life of Plotinus?

  1. Plotinus

  2. Ammonius Saccas

  3. Porphyry

  4. Iamblichus


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Porphyry wrote the Life of Plotinus, a biography of his teacher. The Life of Plotinus is an important source of information about Plotinus's life and philosophy.

Which Neo-Platonic philosopher wrote the Commentary on the Parmenides?

  1. Plotinus

  2. Ammonius Saccas

  3. Porphyry

  4. Iamblichus


Correct Option:
Explanation:

Proclus wrote the Commentary on the Parmenides, a commentary on Plato's Parmenides dialogue. The Commentary on the Parmenides is considered one of the most important works in the history of Neo-Platonism.

Which Neo-Platonic philosopher wrote the Theology of Aristotle?

  1. Plotinus

  2. Ammonius Saccas

  3. Porphyry

  4. Iamblichus


Correct Option:
Explanation:

Proclus wrote the Theology of Aristotle, a commentary on Aristotle's Metaphysics. The Theology of Aristotle is considered one of the most important works in the history of Neo-Platonism.

Which Neo-Platonic philosopher wrote the Elements of Theology?

  1. Plotinus

  2. Ammonius Saccas

  3. Porphyry

  4. Proclus


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Proclus wrote the Elements of Theology, a systematic exposition of Neo-Platonic philosophy. The Elements of Theology is considered one of the most important works in the history of Neo-Platonism.

Which Neo-Platonic philosopher wrote the Liber de Causis?

  1. Plotinus

  2. Ammonius Saccas

  3. Porphyry

  4. Proclus


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Proclus wrote the Liber de Causis, a treatise on the causes of things. The Liber de Causis is considered one of the most important works in the history of Neo-Platonism.

Which Neo-Platonic philosopher wrote the Enneads?

  1. Plotinus

  2. Ammonius Saccas

  3. Porphyry

  4. Proclus


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Plotinus wrote the Enneads, a collection of six books that contain his philosophical teachings. The Enneads are considered one of the most important works in the history of philosophy.

Which Neo-Platonic philosopher wrote the Life of Plotinus?

  1. Plotinus

  2. Ammonius Saccas

  3. Porphyry

  4. Proclus


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Porphyry wrote the Life of Plotinus, a biography of his teacher. The Life of Plotinus is an important source of information about Plotinus's life and philosophy.

Which Neo-Platonic philosopher wrote the Commentary on the Parmenides?

  1. Plotinus

  2. Ammonius Saccas

  3. Porphyry

  4. Proclus


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Proclus wrote the Commentary on the Parmenides, a commentary on Plato's Parmenides dialogue. The Commentary on the Parmenides is considered one of the most important works in the history of Neo-Platonism.

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