The Power of Knowledge

Taking a look at those who influenced Hypatia and those she inspired

Plato c.428-c.348 BCE

Plato was an Athenian philosopher whose theory of Forms, the belief that the physical world is just a shadow of a pure, spiritual world (the realm of Forms), influenced Hypatia’s Neoplatonism. He produced numerous works including The Republic and also founded a school of philosophy, the Academy.

Aristotle 385-323 BCE

A student of Plato and a tutor and advisor to Alexander the Great, Aristotle is widely considered to be one of the greatest philosophers in history. He contributed to various fields including metaphysics, politics, logic and ethics, and Hypatia delivered many lectures on his teachings, often in the city centre.

Synesius of Cyrene c.373-c.414 CE

Regarded as Hypatia’s most famous student, Synesius of Cyrene was consecrated as a bishop by Theophilus in around 410 CE. His letters tell us that many of Hypatia’s students went on to hold important roles in Alexandrian society and he wrote to her frequently to consult on many matters of philosophy – in fact, one of the last letters that he ever wrote was addressed to her.

Plotinus c.204-270 CE

Neoplatonism began with the work of Plotinus and his collection of writings, The

Enneads, which outlined his three principles: the

One, the Intellect and the Soul. Hypatia and her father followed his teachings rather than adhering to those of another Neoplatonist, Syrian philosopher Iamblichus.

Damascius c.458-c.538

Just like Hypatia, Damascius was a pagan philosopher and a Neoplatonist who spent his early years studying in Alexandria, before he moved to Athens and became the last leader of Plato’s Academy. His chief surviving work is Problems And Solutions About The First Principles, and while he doesn’t appear to have been impacted by Hypatia’s teachings, her brutal murder influenced his anti-christian rhetoric.