1. Plotinus (204-270 C.E.)

2. Neoplatonism The term was intended to indicate that Plotinus initiated a new phase in the development of the Platonic tradition.

3. Alexandria Plotinus studied with Ammonius in Alexandria for 11 years.

4. Aristotle Studying both Aristotle’s own philosophy as explained by commentators and his explicit objections to Plato was a powerful aid in understanding the master’s philosophy.

5. Ancient Roman Empire The One is the absolutely simple first principle of all. It is both “self-caused” and the cause of being for everything else in the universe.

6. Emanation Thus, all of creation emanates from the One in succeeding stages of lesser and lesser perfection.

7. Neoplatonic Map It is by the Good or through Beauty that we recognize the One, in material things and then in the Ideas.

8. Contemplation “The true human is an incorporeal contemplative capacity of the soul, and superior to all things corporeal.”

9. Pentecost Icon Apophatic theology runs strong in many mystical writings and especially in the theology of the Eastern orthodox Church.