What is the Neoplatonic Theory of PreExistence?

Answer 1

The Neoplatonic Theory of PreExistance is a theory held by both Socrates and Plato. The theory is basically this: Before become mortal beings we all live in the "Realm of Forms". A place where everything is perfect and in this realm we have knowledge of all major things. Upon birth into this earthly realm we lose this knowledge and rediscover it as we go. This means that we do not actually learn anything we simply recover lost knowledge. To simplify an example given by Plato I will pose this question to clarify the theory. Everyone knows that 2+2=4. However, how do you know this? If we didn't already know the answer to this problem we would continue to search for an answer even after we found the correct one. Plato uses mathematical and geometrical examples as Philosophers believe that mathematics is the only pure and true language with absolute answers.

This information can be found in Plato's dialogs called: "The Phaedo" and "The Meno" one was written before Socrates execution and the other afterwords, expanding on the theory.

Answer 2

The Neoplatonic Theory of PreExistence posits that the soul exists before entering the physical body, drawing from the belief that the soul is divine and originates from a higher realm. This theory suggests that the soul's journey on Earth involves remembering its true nature and ultimately seeking to reunite with the divine source. It has influenced various philosophical and religious traditions over the centuries.