Divine Authority and Platonic Succession: Proclus’ Proem to the Platonic Theology

Journal article

Kasra Abdavi-Azar
Trends in Classics, vol. 17(2), 2025, pp. 273–88

DOI: 10.1515/tc-2025-0015

Cite

APA Click to copy
Abdavi-Azar, K. (2025). Divine Authority and Platonic Succession: Proclus’ Proem to the <i>Platonic Theology</i> Trends in Classics, 17(2), 273–288. https://doi.org/10.1515/tc-2025-0015

Chicago/Turabian Click to copy
Abdavi-Azar, Kasra. “Divine Authority and Platonic Succession: Proclus’ Proem to the ≪i≫Platonic Theology≪/i≫” Trends in Classics 17, no. 2 (2025): 273–88.

MLA Click to copy
Abdavi-Azar, Kasra. “Divine Authority and Platonic Succession: Proclus’ Proem to the ≪i≫Platonic Theology≪/i≫” Trends in Classics, vol. 17, no. 2, 2025, pp. 273–88, doi:10.1515/tc-2025-0015.

BibTeX Click to copy

@article{kasra2025a,
  title = {Divine Authority and Platonic Succession: Proclus’ Proem to the <i>Platonic Theology</i>},
  year = {2025},
  issue = {2},
  journal = {Trends in Classics},
  pages = {273–88},
  volume = {17},
  doi = {10.1515/tc-2025-0015},
  author = {Abdavi-Azar, Kasra}
}

Abstract

In the proem to his Platonic Theology, Proclus appropriates the language of mystery rites to cast Plato as a divinely inspired hierophant to whom absolute epistemic authority should be accorded. He thus elevates Plato’s philosophical teachings to the status of revealed truth and legitimises his own exegetical endeavour as a divine concern. Proclus further extends such authority to a carefully curated network of like-minded Platonist exegetes, among whom he subtly positions himself and his teacher Syrianus. Through a detailed analysis of the proem, this study explores how Proclus construes the history of Platonic succession by embedding it within a broader account of both the history of theological truth and divine revelation.