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Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplatonism of Iamblichus (2nd edition),New
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Theurgy and the Soul is a study of Iamblichus of Syria (ca. 240325), 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, a term meaning divine action, the most controversial and significant aspect of Iamblichuss Platonism. Unlike previous Platonists, who stressed the elevated status of the human soul, Iamblichus taught that the soul descends completely into the body and requires the performance of theurgic ritesrevealed by the godsto unite the soul with the One.Iamblichus was a seminal Platonic philosopher whose views on the soul and the importance of ritual profoundly influenced subsequent thinkers such as Proclus, Damascius, and Dionysius the Areopagite. Iamblichuss vision of a hierarchical cosmos united by divine ritual became the dominant worldview for the entire medieval world, and played an important role in the Renaissance Platonism of Marsilio Ficino. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that he expected a reading of Iamblichus to cause a revival in the churches. Yet, until recently, modern scholars have dismissed him, seeing theurgy as ritual magic or an attempt to manipulate the gods. Shaw, however, shows that theurgy was a subtle and intellectually sophisticated attempt to apply Platonic and Pythagorean teachings to the full expression of human existence in the material world. This new edition includes a foreword by John Milbank and Aaron Riches showing the Christian sacramental implications of Iamblichean theurgy, and a new preface from the author.
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- Q: What is the main focus of 'Theurgy and the Soul'? A: The book primarily focuses on the teachings of Iamblichus, a Neoplatonist philosopher, particularly his views on theurgy, which he describes as 'divine action' essential for the soul's connection with the One.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Gregory Shaw, who explores the significance of Iamblichus's teachings in this second edition.
- Q: What is the publication date of 'Theurgy and the Soul' (2nd edition)? A: The second edition was published on September 9, 2014.
- Q: How many pages does the book contain? A: The book contains a total of 350 pages.
- Q: What binding type is used for this edition? A: This edition is available in paperback binding.
- Q: Is 'Theurgy and the Soul' suitable for beginners in philosophy? A: While the book provides valuable insights into Neoplatonism and theurgy, it may be more suitable for readers with some background in philosophy due to its complex themes.
- Q: Does this edition include any additional content? A: Yes, this edition includes a foreword by John Milbank and Aaron Riches, discussing the Christian implications of Iamblichus's theurgy, as well as a new preface by the author.
- Q: What themes are covered in the book? A: The book covers themes such as the nature of the soul, the significance of ritual, and the philosophical implications of Iamblichus's teachings on theurgy.
- Q: How has Iamblichus influenced later thinkers? A: Iamblichus's ideas on the soul and ritual have profoundly influenced philosophers such as Proclus, Damascius, and Dionysius the Areopagite, shaping medieval and Renaissance thought.
- Q: Is this book considered a reliable academic resource? A: Yes, 'Theurgy and the Soul' is regarded as a significant academic resource for understanding Iamblichus's philosophy and its historical context.