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Can I read Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplatonism of Iamblichus (Hermeneutics) on EtoBox?

Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplatonism of Iamblichus (Hermeneutics) by Shaw, Gregory is a philosophy book available to read on EtoBox.

What is Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplatonism of Iamblichus (Hermeneutics) about?

<p><em>Theurgy and the Soul</em> is a study of Iamblichus of Syria (ca. 240–325), whose teachings set the final form of pagan spirituality prior to the Christianization of the Roman Empire. Gregory Shaw focuses on the theory and practice of theurgy, the most controversial and significant aspect of Iamblichus's Platonism. Theurgy literally means "divine action."</p> <p>Unlike previous Platonists who stressed the elevated status of the human soul, Iamblichus taught that the soul descended completely into the body and thereby required the performance of theurgic rites—revealed by the gods—to unite the soul with the One. Iamblichus was once considered one of the great philosophers whose views on the soul and the importance of ritual profoundly influenced subsequent Platonists such as Proclus and Damascius. The Emperor Julian followed Iamblichus's teachings to guide the restoration of traditional pagan cults in his campaign against Christianity. Although Julian was unsuccessful, Iamblichus's ideas persisted well into the Middle Ages and beyond.</p> <p>His vision of a hierarchical cosmos united by divine ritual became the dominant world view for the entire medieval world and played an im

Who reads Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplatonism of Iamblichus (Hermeneutics)?

It is typically read by self-directed learners exploring a subject in depth.

Common subject areas: history, science, philosophy, social sciences.

Author
Shaw, Gregory
Publisher
The Pennsylvania State University Press
Published
1995
Language
EN
ISBN
9780271014371
Category
philosophy
Subjects
History, Religion, Philosophy
Rating
5 / 5 (7 ratings)
Updated
2026-03-14

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