Proclus on the Transition from Metaphysical Being to Natural Becoming: A New Reading of the Platonic Theory of Forms (Gorgias Studies in Classical and Late Antiquity)

This volume examines the historical end of the Platonic tradition in relation to creation theories of the natural world through the Neoplatonist philosopher Proclus' (412-485) elaboration of an investigation of Plato's theory of metaphysical archetypal Forms.Proclus proceeds to a systematic construction of this theory and grounds it in ontological monism. He presents the Forms as constructing, through their combinations, the presuppositions for the creation of the natural world, in such a way that it functions in an orderly and harmonious way, showing the natural world is not produced by chance or means of automatizations, but on the basis of a teleological planning. This volume also reflects Proclus' dealing with the topics of objective reality and the nature of the "universals." Table of Contents Preface Introduction 1. The Theory of Forms in the Historical Evolution of Platonism 2. Henads and Forms 3. Forms and Numbers 4. The Objective Existence of the Forms: Transcendence and Immanence 5. The Levels of Presence of the Forms 6. The Communion Between Forms and Sensible Beings 7. Aspects of the Function of the Metaphysical Forms Epilogue Bibliography

This volume examines the historical end of the Platonic tradition in relation to creation theories of the natural world through Neoplatonist philosopher Proclus (412-485) elaboration of an investigation of Plato's theory of metaphysical archetypal Forms.