Neoplatonic philosophy

In so far as the neoplatonic philosophy as applied to alchemy possessed a basis in ancient Greek philosophy, it was based mainly upon Plato s conceptions as formulated in his work entitled Timaeus. ... 

Neoplatonism This group of Western mystical philosophies emerged in the first centuries after Christ and synthesized Platonic philosophy with Hermeticism and other mystical philosophies. It also revived interest in the Pythagorean school. The first Neoplationists were the Hellenistic philosopher Plotinus (204-70) and his teacher Ammonius Saccas (third century). 

Hermetic philosophy became a major influence on all Western magical practices and mystical traditions. Neoplatonism, alchemy, Gnosticism, Kabalah, Sufism, mystical Christianity, and occultism are included in this influence. There are seven basic concepts that make up this view. 

Neoplatonism A group of Western mystical philosophies that synthesize Plato with other mystical philosophies... 

Internal and external evidence are to the effect that the phase of chemical activity and interest which so long held the stage not only in Europe but in Arabia and Asia, spreading even to India and China, had its origin in the practices of the metal workers of Egypt and in the theories of matter and its possible changes as developed in the neoplatonic school of natural philosophy. 

Section ii. That from One Only One Effect Can Proceed In Ishdrdt II.5.H, Avicenna defends his well-known principle that from a cause that is absolutely one, only one effect can derive.i As already mentioned, he appeals to this principle in various contexts in his philosophy, most importantly his Neoplatonic accoimt of the procession of multiple existents from the Necessary of Existence through Itself, which is absolutely simple. Avicenna maintains that being truly one and simple, the First Cause produces only one simple effect, namely the First Intellect. Al-Mas udi notes in the conclusion of the Shukuk the coimection between this doctrine and the theory of the heavenfy intellects, which fimction as mediating causes through the agency of which the sub-limar world ultimately comes to be. ... 

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