Iamblichus' De Mysteriis: A Manifesto of the MiraculousThis book redefines our interpretation of Iamblichus' theurgy and religiosity, as revealed in his only complete surviving work, the De Mysteriis. Clarke argues that the existence and operation of the supernatural, or the miraculous, is the sine qua non of this work, and yet this is often overlooked by Iamblichus' philosophical interpreters. The argument is developed through the examination of numerous religious practices described by Iamblichus, most importantly those of animal sacrifice, oracular consultation, divine possession, and the ritual observation of the luminous divine epiphanies. The book seeks to understand Iamblichus' position within the framework of, rather than through the eyes of, other Neoplatonists. Emma Clarke is the chief editor of the only modern English translation of the De Mysteriis, and in this book she breaks new ground in a growing area of interest, Neoplatonism. |
Contents
Iamblichus De Mysteriis as an answer to Porphyrys | 4 |
a manifesto of the miraculous | 19 |
the miracle of sacrifice | 39 |
Copyright | |
5 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
according activity ancient angels answer apparitions appear approach appropriate archangels archons argues argument asserts association become believed body cause Chaldean chapter Christian clearly context contrast daemons define definition described discussion divine Dodds dreams effects emphasise epiphanies Epistle Eunapius evil example explains fact false fire follow force further given gives gods hence human Iamblichus idea images imagination individual inspiration interesting involved issue kind later light magic material matter means mention merely mind miracle Myst Mysteriis nature notion observed occur offers oracles original pagan Parke perhaps philosophical Places Plotinus Porphyry Porphyry's possession practice Procl questions references reflection rejects relation response result reveal rites ritual role sacrifice says seems sense shape Shaw sleep soul spirits suggests superior supernatural term theory theurgic theurgists things tokens true truth understanding visions δὲ ἐν καὶ τὰ τὴν τῆς τὸ τοῦ τῶν