TheBitCast

Iamblichus: The Architect of Theurgical Neoplatonism

Podcast: Learn with Leshley · Lyon Leshley

Opublikowano: 2026-05-19

Meet Iamblichus of Chalcis—the philosopher who transformed Neoplatonism forever but rarely gets the spotlight he deserves. Born around 242 CE in the Roman Empire’s eastern provinces, Iamblichus created one of the most comprehensive philosophical systems in ancient history, bridging reason and ritual, philosophy and religion, intellect and divine practice. In this video, we explore: • The turbulent 3rd-century world where Iamblichus lived (political chaos, spiritual hunger, Christianity’s rise) • His philosophical lineage: Plotinus → Porphyry → Iamblichus • Why he broke from Plotinus: the fallen soul, the need for divine help, and the limits of pure contemplation • His elaborate cosmic hierarchy: dozens...