If you are a Neoplatonist, what type of Neoplatonist are you?

Neoplatonism is a term that was given by historians to a group of individuals during a particular period of time. The main individuals are Plotinus, Iamblicus, Proclus, and Damascius. These individuals did not consider themselves to be Neoplatonists. They considered themselves to be Platonists. They considered themselves interpreters of Plato. They did not believe themselves to be “Neo” in any way. But, there is something “neo” about the Neoplatonists, because via Plotinus we have a particular conceptualization that is to provide modality to Plato’s perspective. This is to say that the form of expression may have changed, but the hermeneutic that was expressed was considered to be the same as what Plato expressed.

That said, Plotinus provides what all Neoplatonists agree on in essence; what is referred to as The One, The Intellect, and The Soul; and what those concepts refer to; are pretty much agreed on by the Neoplatonists.

But some divergences in perspective emerge! It starts with Iamblicus! Iamblicus is of the perspective that one must partake in theurgy for spiritual ascent. This is not Plotinus’s perspective. Then, comes Proclus. Proclus puts forth a metaphysical issue he perceives; then and tries to resolve the issue he perceives by introducing the concept of the Henads that stand between The One, and The Intellect. Proclus is in agreement with Iamblicus on theurgy, but also sees the importance of the practice of philosophy. Plotinus is all about philosophy. Anyway. Then, comes Damascius. Damascius is not so much for the Henads, but he is for theurgy, but he agrees with the metaphysical issue that is presented, and from it draws an epistemic problem concerning The One. And thus, via Damascius we have this extra accentuation of the non-discursive nature of metaphysical truth. Thus, we have four different types of Neoplatonism.

And then, we have the Neoplatonism of the Abrahamic Traditions. And, if I am not mistaken, via the Islamic World, and the translation movement that translated Greek works to Arabic we have the last three books of Plotinus’s Enneads, and we have Proclus’ Elements of Theology being translated and introduced to the Islamic World as being the works of Aristotle. lol. So, here we find Jewish Neoplatonism (via the likes of a Musa Ibn Maimon), and Islamic Neoplatonism (via the likes of an Al Farabi & Ibn Sina), and then you have Christian Neoplatonism (via the likes of a Thomas Aquinus?).

So, what type of Neoplatonist are you? Are you a Pagan and if so who’s your dude? Is it Iamblicus, Proclus, Damascius, and, or all of them? And if you’re an individual of the Abrahamic Traditions which tradition are you of, and who is your Neoplatonist?

Personally, Ibn Sina provides me with a tool on how to practice philosophy, and I am of Plotinus’ Perspective. I will not claim to be of an Abrahamic Tradition, because of my perspective concerning Theurgy.

By the way, if I am mistaken about anything I have said in the post please do correct me in the comments.

That said, if you are a Neoplatonist, what type of Neoplatonist are you?