Abstract

There is a strong mystical strain running through the Neo-Platonic tradition. It arises from the claim that the One is absolutely transcendent, beyond all thought and all being, ineffable and incomprehensible. This claim readily appears in the doctrines of Plotinus, Iamblichus, and Damascius. It is, however, most carefully dealt with and receives its most systematic espousal from the celebrated Proclus of Athens. Proclus’ Commentary On The Parmenides is a polished espousal of the first hypothesis of Plato’s Parmenides. It is there that he expresses his own view of the One and shows his acute sensitivity to logical problems arising from it. It will be my attempt here to examine the tenability of Proclus’ view of the One. In the course of this examination I will evaluate some of his solutions to the logical difficulties resulting from his position as to the One. I wish to argue that his position is beset with insurmountable difficulties and that his solutions to them are unsatisfactory.