4 - Platonism before Plotinus

Summary

THE PLATONICS

This chapter deals with the development of Platonism from the late first century bce to the end of the second century ce. The principal figures here, in rough chronological order, were Eudorus, Thrasyllus, anon. Commentary on the Theaetetus, Plutarch of Chaeronea, Theon, Taurus, Albinus, Nicostratus, Atticus, Severus, Harpocration, and Alcinous. All are normally treated as Platonists today; antiquity treated most of them as ‘Platonics’.

By the end of the first century ce we hear of philosophers who could be described as ‘Platonics’ (Platonici), whether as a title connected with a recognized profession or as a general description of their concerns. There were a number of centres around the Mediterranean at which a ‘Platonic’ might reside and operate. During the Hellenistic period there had been no need for such a term at all, since one’s philosophical background had usually been indicated with reference to the philosophical group or school with which one had studied (usually at Athens), and to which one continued to feel some allegiance. Up to Cicero’s generation it was normal for those with serious educational ambitions to study in Athens, and not unusual to seek tuition from more than one school. Those men of letters who felt the need to communicate in a philosophical vein did not normally have to adopt any title that indicated their favourite philosophy, while those who claimed to officially represent a school, and to teach its doctrines or methods, adopted such titles to legitimize their role.