ABSTRACT
The main aim of this central chapter is to reconstruct the embryological theory advanced by the Neoplatonists. To be sure, there are some differences of opinion on certain aspects of the theory, but it will be argued that it is possible to discern a number of tenets that reappear consistently in Neoplatonic texts and that collectively may be described as the core of Neoplatonic embryology. These are: (i) there is a single, male seed; (ii) this seed is a collection of immaterial form-principles in a state of potentiality; and finally (iii) these principles must be actualized by an external agent, who is usually identified with the mother. To these a fourth tenet may be added, which is no less prevalent but which is somewhat subordinate to the others, namely (iv) that other cosmic factors, including but not limited to the stars, also have a role to play in the formation of the embryo. A final central tenet, that (v) the individual soul must be provided from outside, which is to say that the offspring’s soul is not derived from the parents but descends into the offspring’s body from another source at the appointed time, which is usually taken to be at birth, will be examined in Chapter 4, since it is possible to detect some difference of opinion on the overall manner of animation. In this chapter each of the first four tenets will be explored in turn, and in each case Porphyry’s Ad Gaurum will be taken as the starting point of the investigation, since this is the most comprehensive and systematic treatment of embryology by a Neoplatonist and it encompasses all of these core tenets.
