Middle Platonism was a philosophical movement that emerged in the 1st century BC and lasted until the 3rd century AD. It was a period of transition between the early Platonic philosophy of Plato and the later Neoplatonic philosophy of Plotinus. Middle Platonism was characterized by a renewed interest in the philosophy of Plato, combined with the influence of other philosophical schools, particularly Stoicism and Aristotelianism.
One of the key figures of Middle Platonism was Plutarch, a Greek philosopher and historian who lived in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. Plutarch was heavily influenced by the philosophy of Plato, but also incorporated elements of other philosophical schools, particularly Stoicism. He believed that the ultimate goal of philosophy was to achieve a state of moral perfection, which could be attained through the practice of virtue and the cultivation of wisdom.
Another important figure of Middle Platonism was Numenius of Apamea, a Syrian philosopher who lived in the 2nd century AD. Numenius was influenced by the philosophy of Plato, but also incorporated elements of Pythagoreanism and Aristotelianism. He believed that there was a transcendent reality beyond the physical world, which could only be accessed through philosophical inquiry and contemplation.
Middle Platonism also saw the emergence of the concept of the “demiurge,” a divine being who was believed to be responsible for the creation of the world. The demiurge was seen as a mediator between the ultimate reality and the physical world, and was believed to play a crucial role in the universe’s ongoing process of creation and maintenance.
One of the main contributions of Middle Platonism was the development of the concept of the “logos.” The term “logos” had been used by Greek philosophers for centuries to refer to reason, logic, and speech. In Middle Platonism, however, the concept of the logos took on a more metaphysical and cosmological significance. The logos was seen as an intermediary between the transcendent realm of ultimate reality and the physical world. It was believed to be the source of order and harmony in the universe, and was seen as a divine principle that permeated all of existence.
Middle Platonism also saw the emergence of a renewed interest in the philosophy of Aristotle. While Aristotle had been largely ignored by earlier Platonists, Middle Platonists like Plutarch and Albinus (a Greek philosopher who lived in the 2nd century AD) saw value in his work and incorporated elements of Aristotelianism into their own philosophy. This led to a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between Plato and Aristotle, and paved the way for the later development of Neoplatonism.
Overall, Middle Platonism represented an important period of development and transition in the history of Platonic philosophy. It saw the emergence of new concepts and ideas, particularly the concept of the logos, and paved the way for the later development of Neoplatonism. Middle Platonism also reflected the broader intellectual and cultural trends of its time, with its incorporation of elements of other philosophical schools like Stoicism and Aristotelianism.