Abstract
The article examines the problem of studying Minor philosophers in the Athens Academy of the 5th century AD, in the era of Plutarch of Athens, Syrianus and Proclus Diadochus. Their social environment, circle of colleagues and students are examined. The activities of the philosophers of the School of Athens throughout the entire century are examined sequentially in chronological order. It is shown that Minor philosophers were quite numerous. Most of them are mentioned in the sources of philosophers who are in one way or another connected with the School of Athens, led by Plutarch, Sirianus and Proclus. In addition to Proclus, the school includes the philosophers Odaenathus and Nicolaus, as well as the philosopher and engineer Theodore. This school reached its peak by the mid-5th century and fell into decline after the death of Proclus Diadochus ca. 485, when no worthy successor was found for him. The study allows us to identify and systematize the names of a whole range of philosophers. It is noted that extracurricular philosophers of the early 5th century have a semi-legendary character, being associated with the inner circle of the future Empress Athenais-Eudocia. In the end of the 5th century, three “minor” philosophers belonged to the younger generation of students of Proclus: Agapius, Zenodotus and Syrianus. In the 5th century the special status of Athens is affi rmed as one of the largest centers of intellectual life, with which a whole galaxy of prominent names is associated.
Keywords
Proclus Diadochus, Damascius, Athenais-Eudocia, Late Antique intellectuals, Athens, Minor philosophers, sophists, Neoplatonism, School of Athens.
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